The final of Clausura Tournament between Municipal and Xelajú MC once again stirs indelible memories for two footballers who know like few others the historical weight of this rivalry.
The 4-1 victory achieved by the Reds in the first leg has them on the verge of a new title, but the closing in the Mario Camposeco stadium opens the possibility of another night full of dramain a scenario in which the superchivos have already written memorable comebacks.
Gonzalo Romero and Julio Estacuy, representatives of both institutions and champions in finals played between these same clubs, reviewed their experiences and made an in-depth analysis of what could happen in the outcome.
For Gonzalo Romero, historic midfielder and champion in the 2010 Clausura, the similarities with that series are inevitable. Municipal also struck first and arrived at Quetzaltenango with an advantage, in a key where they ended up showing hierarchy to settle the championship (7-1).
“There are many similarities because Xelajú was coming in very well and also had the advantage of closing at home. We made an important difference and then we knew how to expand it there. Today, Municipal once again has a similar scenario, and although nothing is defined, Yes, he has a high percentage of winning the title,” he stated.
Romero admitted that not even the most optimistic red fan imagined such a large advantage.
“The truth is that no one expected a score like that. Municipal had shown strong signs against Mixco, but repeating that against Xelajú was difficult to imagine. The expulsion ended up being decisive because the goal fell very quickly, and that did not allow Xelajú to rearrange itself tactically,” he said.
For Chalo Romerothe main virtue of the red box is having found offensive variants at the most important moment of the tournament.
“During much of the championship, the forwards were criticized because they were missing a goal, but the reality is that no clear options were generated. Now the full-backs, the offensive midfielders appear, there are different ways to reach the goal, and that makes the team much more complete,” he commented.
However, he insisted that The key will be defined from defensive experience. “The key will be to keep the zero. Municipal has players with a lot of hierarchy at the back, players who know how to understand these games and manage the times. Also “It will be essential to finish with 11 players, not to fall into provocations or go beyond the script,” he stated.
He also highlighted the team’s learning after recent finals. “Against Antigua and other previous series perhaps there was a lack of aggressiveness to liquidate. Today the team learned that when the opponent is injured you have to take advantage of it. That was seen against Mixco and also in this final,” said Romero.
He also highlighted that playing in The Mario Camposeco stadium is special because of how its fans experience it, and assured that it will be a categorical environment.
“It is one of the most special venues in the country. Playing there will always be a privilege. The fans push a lot, but if Municipal knows how to handle the first minutes and time starts to run, that same pressure can be transferred to the local team,” he warned.
Voice of a leader
On the other sidewalk appears Julio Estacuy, protagonist of one of the most glorious pages of Xelajú: the comeback of the Clausura 2012, when the Altenses reversed the series and lifted the title on penalties.
“They are memories that one never forgets. We lost the first leg and on the return leg we even started down, but we never stopped believing. That conviction was the key to achieving something historic,” he recalled.
Estacuy assured that that feat was born from internal leadership and unbreakable collective trust. “We had players with a lot of experience, a united group and a coach like Hernan Medford that gave us security. That was key to believing until the end,” he said.
For the former midfielder, the current superchiva squad has the tools to fight the comeback.
“Xelajú has good players and fans that always respond. When you are in a final there is no tomorrow; you have to leave absolutely everything,” he acknowledged.
His analysis points to tactical order as a decisive factor in reversing the situation.
“Municipal will surely wait and take advantage of spaces. Xelajú has to come out and proposebut without getting desperate or disordered. Serenity will be essential,” he advised.
Finally, he sent a direct message to the Altense team: “Let them leave everything on the field. All of Xelajú will be with them. There is no tomorrow, and this is the time to write another historical page at Mario Camposeco.”