Tag Archives: Copa Sudamericana

Fernando Gago Named New Head Coach of Liga MX’s Chivas

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Fernando Gago is headed to Liga MX…

The Mexican soccer league’s Chivas have hired the 27-year-old Argentine football manager and former player as their new head coach.

Fernando Gago,Gago replaces Veljko Paunovic (21W-8D-13L), who mutually parted ways with Liga MX’s second-most successful side on December 15 after a disappointing quarterfinal playoff exit in the 2023 Apertura season. 

Although Paunovic initially exceeded expectations with a run to the 2023 Clausura final in his first season in charge, this season’s quarterfinal exit, coupled with a failure to qualify for the knockout round of the summer’s inaugural MLS-Liga MX Leagues Cup tournament, ultimately led to his departure.

Gago will now begin his third managerial job — and first outside of his home country — after previously leading Racing Club (2021-23) and Aldosivi (2021).

With Aldosivi, Gago produced inconsistent results and resigned in October 2021 after suffering seven defeats in a row.

Brought on by Racing Club weeks later, Gago closed out the 2021 Liga Profesional de Futbol season with a 3W-0D-5L record.

After mixed performances in 2022’s Copa de la Liga Profesional, Copa Argentina and Copa Sudamericana, Racing Club eventually gained steam with a second place finish in the 2022 league season, a Trofeo de Campeones title and a Supercopa Internacional championship in January 2023.

However, questionable results returned, including a 12th place finish in the regular season, which led to Gago’s exit in early October.

Despite being plagued by injuries as a player, Gago collected 61 caps for Argentina‘s national team, as well as a long list of club titles through Boca Juniors, Real Madrid and Velez Sarsfield.

The midfielder also played abroad for Roma and Valencia.

Chivas return to play in January for the 2024 Clausura season. The Guadalajara side are second in Liga MX’s all-time list for championships with 12, but have only lifted once league trophy since 2007.

On Sunday, historic rivals Club América secured their 14th Liga MX title after defeating Tigres 4-1 on aggregate in the 2023 Apertura final.

Atlanta United FC Signs Alan Franco as a Designated Player

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Alan Franco is officially designated…

The 24-year-old Argentine footballer has been signed by the Atlanta United FC as a designated player.

Alan Franco

The team announced that Franco signed a five-year contract as part of a transfer from Club Atletico Independiente of the Argentine Primera Division.

“Alan is a competitive and aggressive center back who is comfortable with the ball at his feet,” Atlanta technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement.

“He has established himself with more than 80 matches in Argentina’s top flight, in addition to experience in Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores. We’re looking forward to further integrating him with the group and getting him match ready.”

Hernan Crespo Earns First Coaching Title with Defensa y Justicia’s Copa Sudamericana Win

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Hernan Crespo has earned a special first as a coach…

The 45-year-old Argentine professional football coach and former player’s team Defensa y Justicia won their first continental title on Saturday after a comprehensive 3-0 win over fellow Argentine side Lanus secured them the Copa Sudamericana trophy.

Hernan Crespo

It’s the first coaching title for the former Chelsea, Inter, Parma and Argentina star.

The unstoried club took the title, South America’s equivalent of the Europa League, without losing any of their nine games in the competition to become only the fifth team in history to lift the trophy undefeated.

“Not many teams have won the title this way, undefeated,” said goalkeeper Luis Unsain. “We were extraordinary in defense, Lanus had no chances at goal and we scored three. I think we really deserved our win.”

The searing temperatures of the southern hemisphere’s summer meant the game was played at a slower pace than normal but the team coached by Crespo dominated proceedings from the start.

Braian Romero shot just wide early on before Defensa y Justicia took the lead after 33 minutes when Adonis Frias fired a low shot through a packed defense following a nice back heel from Francisco Pizzini.

Romero got the goal his play deserved 17 minutes into the second half when he seized on a short pass back and finished with a cheeky chip.

His 10th goal made him the competition’s top goalscorer.

Lanus, who won the competition in 2013, lost their way soon after, picking up three yellow cards in the final 20 minutes and rarely threatening a comeback.

Washington Camacho scored a third for Defensa y Justicia in the final minute when he finished off a rapid counter-attack.

“It was a fair result,” said Lanus veteran striker Jose Sand. “They were worthy winners.”

Although both clubs are based just south of Buenos Aires, the final was held behind closed doors in Cordoba, 700km away.

It was the first time the Copa Sudamericana has been contested by two teams from the same country.