Mexicans in Europe…and Happy Belated Mexican Independence Day

Here at the Mexico World Cup Blog we’d like to wish you a happy belated Mexican Independence Day. The Champions League started up and there were a few Mexicans in it whether it wast their first time in the competition or not. Here’s to having more in the competition next year.

Rafael Marquez(Barcelona)- Rafa scored the team’s first goal in the 21st min by a header. He came into the area unmarked and pushed it into the left post. Later however he gave away Sporting’s goal as he left his man unmarked. Overall had an ok game in which he scored 1 goal in Barca’s 3-1 win over Sporting.

Carlos Salcido(PSV)- In my opinion looked defensively sound but the team couldn’t cope with Kun Aguero. He played all 90 mins in the 0-3 loss to Atletico.

Francisco “Maza” Rodriguez(PSV)- Made his Champions League debut during the 74th min for Brechet. I didn’t see this part of the game but there are no reports of him seriously impacting the game.

Guillermo Franco(Villareal)- Played against current Champions Manchester United in a 0-0 draw. In the 35th he was given a yellow after a challenge on Evra. He had a very good back heeled shot which came off the inside of the post during the 60th min. In the 77th he came off for Llorente.

Carlos Vela(Arsenal)- The youngest of the Mexicans and his first game as well in the competition. He came in during the 84th min for Van Persie but didn’t have a big impact on the game. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Dynamo Kiev thanks to a 88 min Gallas goal.

Javier Aguirre(Atletico Madrid)- Debuted as a manager in the competition and won big thanks to Kun Aguero. Atletico scored 3 times on PSV on their return to the competition since the 90’s.