Chivas Hold Firm Against Red Bulls to Secure Vital Win
The 2018 CONCACAF Champions League semifinals got intense as Chivas Guadalajara barely squeezed past the New York Red Bulls. With everything on the line, it was the narrowest of margins—just one goal separated the two sides after 180 minutes of high-stakes football.
It all started on April 4 in Mexico, where Chivas made home advantage count. The buzz in Estadio Akron was electric as the fans cheered every pass and tackle. The game was balanced, but it was Alan Pulido who broke the deadlock, scoring the all-important goal that swung the tie in Chivas' favor. A smart finish was enough to give the Mexicans a slender 1-0 cushion heading into the second leg.
Fast forward to April 10, and the spotlight shifted to Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. The Red Bulls entered the match knowing they needed at least one goal, but the pressure mounted with every passing minute. Head coach Jesse Marsch mixed things up, fielding his 10th different starting lineup of the tournament. Familiar names like Luis Robles in goal, Bradley Wright-Phillips leading the attack, and rising star Tyler Adams in midfield all featured.
If shot volume won games, the Red Bulls would be in the final. They fired off 20 shots, with 9 testing Chivas’ keeper Rodolfo Cota. But every effort was met with stubborn resistance. Chivas’ backline stayed laser-focused, clearing crosses, blocking attempts, and smothering attacks. Cota’s calm presence between the sticks was a massive advantage—he denied everything the Red Bulls threw at him.
Marsch rolled the dice in the second half, bringing on attacking reinforcements like Alejandro Romero Gamarra and Carlos Rivas. Time ticked away with the Red Bulls relentlessly pushing, desperate for that breakthrough. Chivas even responded with their own substitution in stoppage time—Angel Zaldivar came on to help close out the game.
Despite all their dominance in possession and creativity, the Red Bulls couldn’t find the net. The frustration was clear, with players glancing at the scoreboard after each missed chance. The final whistle eventually blew, confirming Chivas’ 1-0 aggregate victory and leaving New York’s players to rue their missed opportunities.
The Journey Shaped by Defense
This wasn’t just any semifinal. The Red Bulls had surprised plenty of fans during the tournament, letting in only three goals across six matches. Their defense was usually reliable, but this time, it was Chivas’ defense that got the spotlight. Rodolfo Cota’s performances, especially in the crunch moments, proved just as crucial as Pulido’s lone goal.
For Chivas Guadalajara, this tense battle means a shot at continental glory in the final. For the Red Bulls, elimination was a tough pill to swallow after such a resilient run, but their journey cemented them as a force to watch in North American soccer. The semifinal served up drama and showcased how sometimes, one goal and one great defense is all it takes to chase a dream.