Few would have predicted that the Mexican pro team Pumas UNAM would sit atop the overall standings at the start of the Mexican 2011 Clausura tournament.
But that's what has happened.
Pumas are off to a fast start with an undefeated record that includes three wins and two ties. Perhaps the juiciest match-up this weekend is Pumas against an old foe: Chivas de Guadalajara. That team will visit Sunday an expectedly sold-out Estadio de Ciudad Universitaria in what is considered a historic rivalry among fans.
Pumas will try to rely on the same recipe the team has used to cook up its good start to the season: mixing a handful of veteran players with young, up-and-coming talent.
Coach Guillermo Vazquez Jr.'s team counts on the experience of seasoned defender Dario Veron, midfielders Leandro and Israel Castro and forwards Francisco Palencia and Martin Bravo.
Chivas has a similar roster situation but their results have not been favorable.
Guadalajara earned its first three points of the season with a 2-0 win against Atlante last week.
Chivas fans are hungry for another win, which would give the team some momentum. A victory against Pumas would do just that.
The problem is that Chivas has not had recent success at the Pumas' lair, Ciudad Universitaria.
Guadalajara last won there in November of 2004 during the Apertura tournament. It was a 5-1 outing.
That prompted the Chivas team owner to buy a newspaper full page ad that read: "Creo que acabo de ver un lindo minino," or "I think I saw a pussycat" in English.
That added fuel to the intense rivalry.
Both teams have showcased hot-tempered games and a fluid brand of play, including one match in that 2004 tournament in which Pumas clinched the league title in a penalty shootout.
Chivas leads the all-time series, with a 27-16-34 record.
Following the Xolos
The defending Division de Ascenso champions are yet to win a match in the 2011 Clausura tournament.
Xolos Tijuna is coming off a 2-2 draw at Culiacan last week.
The Xolos will have a shot at their first win Saturday when they host Merida at their home, Estadio Caliente. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m.
[sidebar]Mexican Clausura Week 6 games
Friday
Necaxa vs. America, 6:10 p.m.
Saturday
Jaguares vs. Monterrey, 3 p.m.
Queretaro vs. Toluca, 3 p.m.
Tigres vs. Cruz Azul, 5 p.m.
Pachuca vs. Puebla, 5 p.m.
Atlas vs. Santos, 6:45 p.m.
Atlante vs. San Luis, 9 p.m.
Sunday
Pumas vs. Chivas, 10 a.m.
Morelia vs. Estudiantes, 10 a.m.
[/sidebar]
