MEXICO -- After 10 years, Santos finally beat Chivas in Jalisco and they did it in style with a 5-3 win.
It had to be a memorable performance, almost brilliant. Every piece worked perfectly for the defending champions; with a spectacular performance in which many aspects influenced the score: wise moves, mistakes, good fortune and an inspired player like Matias Vuoso.
Even though there were big stories like Chivas' and America's stumble, the unstoppable pace of San Luis, the nice Cruz Azul recovery against Monterrey and Pachuca's poor present at the bottom of the standings, the main character of 2008 Torneo Apertura is named Santos.
DEFENSIVE FALL
What goes on in a player's head when three times is tied after taking the advantage and losses at the very end? And who is to blame, the coach or the player?
The front office thinks both should be held responsible, although when it comes to final decisions always the coach ends up losing, no matter which player is playing.
Let's wait and see what Jorge Vergara will say about Chivas' performance, which had two phases against Santos: efficiency in the first half and costly defensive mistakes that put them against the wall in the final eight minutes.
Chivas sustained the giddy pace of the first half, but collapsed at the end. They made serious mistakes in the back and they would represent a headache for Efrain Flores this week.
CONFIDENT AND ACCURATE
The San Luis gladiators have no mercy on anyone with their confident and accurate soccer. With one more game than the rest of the teams, they take advantage of what their opponents provide: red cards and defensive mistakes. Under this rule (Raul Arias) gave a lesson to the teacher (Manuel Lapuente) and leads the standings with 16 points. Nothing hurts for them nowadays.
HAS THE OLD PACHUCA DISSAPEARED?
It is fair to say that Pachuca is going through a rebuilding process. Although it should not be considered an excuse, at least four former starters left the team. The Pachuca that won the Sudamerican Cup, the one that was the protagonist of every game has disappeared.
Against Pumas they were a shadow of their old version and seemed unfocused making several mistakes on the 1-3 loss, which included an own goal by Leobardo Lopez.
We do not think that Enrique Meza is losing his command as many say, it's just he started the league with the wrong foot and is paying the price for it with only two points in the standings. It is just a matter of time because there's still experience and level in this team.
THEY DO NOT FORGET HOW TO PLAY NICELY
Jaguares needed a game like the one they had against America to recover the soccer level and mentality they had last season.
The team coached by Sergio Almaguer (whose head was saved at the Azteca) was pinched on its pride and was very efficient recovering from an adverse score. With a little confidence, Bofo Bautista showed skilled, gave an assist and scored on a penalty kick. The 3-2 difference could have been bigger against a demoralized Aguilas team. Ramon Diaz is starting to suffer on a league which was unknown for him.
NEED'S MORE CHALLENCE
Group III is considered the hardest one, but things have not developed as expected. From Week 1, things were not even. Cruz Azul, Pumas and Tecos are leading, while Morelia, Chivas and America are seeing things from the bottom. We have not witnessed a heavy dispute for each point. We sure expect more from this group, and maybe we could start seeing it after the doubleheader. There is still time.
APPEAR AND SCORE IT
Daniel Ludueña return for Santos and scored. The Argentine defender Javier Malagueño made his debut in Mexico, for Indios, and also scored.
This could mean nice auguries for them, the same Uruguayan Hector Hugo Eugui had in his debut with Ciudad Juarez's team. At least, they got their first point in the First Division after tying 1-1 to Toluca.
And what else can we say about Pony Ruiz debut in Tecos. He is still a playmaker. Some may want to forget him, but it is impossible to do so. From his feet emerge Tecos' goals against Necaxa (2-2).
It's no secret that Hugo Rodallega (Monterrey) guarantees goals, as well as Chupete Suazo (Monterrey), Alvaro Gonzalez (Puebla) and Matias Vuoso (Santos).