By Juan Carlos Cartagena Abaurre
The most important week for the Red Devils of Toluca has arrived. The two-time Mexican champion visits Los Angeles FC today, in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals. For this game, Mohamed will be able to count on his two World Cup teams, Jesús Gallardo and Alexis Vega.
The rival
Los Angeles FC is not easy at all, since it is the best team in the MLS and has just eliminated Cruz Azul with authority. The Americans will not have, due to the accumulation of cards, Denis Buanga, their best player, however the Los Angeles team has a fast attack led by the Korean Heung Min Son. while in goal the experienced world champion Hugo Lloris
Everyone rested
Toluca rested players and will be able to use its entire arsenal. It will be important to see if Marcel Ruíz is considered for this game after being ruled out for the World Cup. One question is whether he is going to play with a line of 5 or 4. The line of 5 would help cover the direct attack, but with a line of 4 he could use one more player at the waist of the field
the key
Mohamed is going to bet on ball possession, but at the same time he knows that he must be cautious when looking for the opponent’s goal, since LAFC seeks to attack the spaces and take advantage of their speed.
With players like Romero, Castro, Marcel and Angulo, the objective of taking the ball and not giving it away can be met; then when attacking and being clear, they also exercise and that is why today’s game could be faced with these players; However, Vega or Helinho would have to be sacrificed and play with a line of 4.
In the defensive phase, Toluca must be very attentive and not allow balls behind its back, or one-on-one in which the Angelenos are lethal.
eye there
Not despairing under any circumstances and falling into overconfidence will be important. Yes the devils. Either they are winning or if they are losing, they should know that there are 90 more minutes. Likewise, if they are winning they should not claim victory. It is one of those very tough rivals with players who change the game from one member to another.
The data
The game scheduled for today at 8:30 pm pits the two best teams in the CONCACAF ranking, with the Devils being number 1 in the area, but that will have to be demonstrated in 180 minutes and today are the first 90.
Destabilize
There are versions that point to which Cruz Azul has searched for the Turk. It seems that someone has sought to destabilize the interior of Toluca. True, Cruz Azul is looking for a coach and Mohamed is an option, however a guru told me that for now the only contact is with the coach’s representative. Mohamed knows that if he wins the title, he would seek to keep the team to compete internationally and increase his infernal legacy.
Conclusion
Mohamed has bet on this tournament and cannot allow himself to fail. I notice a lot of enthusiasm in the people, and no wonder, this team returned the football orgasm to its followers and now they are insatiable; It’s not a complaint at all.
I like to know that the fan has confidence in his Diablos and that Mohamed has returned that mystique. The players once again recognized what it means to wear red and that is why there are grounds to support that this team can win another title, at least.
Thanks for reading and playing with me