I didn’t know him, but Chivas coach Veljko Paunovic had to quickly familiarize himself with the National Classic, since he has played three duels against América in less than a year and will play his fourth this Saturday, September 16th.
In this confrontation he could equal his record in confrontations with América, which will finally have on the bench André Jardine, the Brazilian coach who did not lose against the Guadalajara team.
This edition of the National Classic will have its special touch because although Jardine is an América vs. Chivas, the Brazilian has good results against Rebaño Sagrado since he did not lose with Atlético de San Luis and achieved two draws and a win against the Rojiblancos has.
The Serb has a negative record in direct duels (2-1) with the Azulcremas, although it is also true that he still has the most important game left: the second leg semi-final of the 2023 Clausura tournament, in which Chivas made it to the final , which they played against Tigres de la UANL.
Which National Classics did Veljko Paunovic direct?
Paunovic’s first National Classic took place on matchday 12 of the Clausura 2023, on March 18 at Akron Stadium: América won 4-2 on a night where the visitors led 3-0 at halftime.
Two months later, Pauno faced América again, now in the semifinals of the same tournament, and the first leg went to the Águilas (1-0) with a goal from Alejandro Zendejas; Everything looked like the red and white would be eliminated, but the Guadalajara team surprised at the Vuelta on May 21st at the Azteca Stadium.
Chivas won the game 3-1, advancing to the grand final and eliminating their bitter rivals; Ronaldo Cisneros, Alan Mozo and Jesús “Chiquete” Orozco scored.
In the history of direct encounters, Paunovic loses against América (2-1), but is even 5th in terms of goals scored and conceded.
How does Jardine fare against Chivas?
Jardine, who is recovering from surgery for acute appendicitis, faced Chivas for the first time in the 2022 Clausura and managed a 2-2 draw on matchday 8; that same year, but in July he added his first victory by winning the second day game at Akron Stadium (1-0).
He also met Rebaño Sagrado in the Clausura 2023 and as coach of the Potosinos and got a draw (0-0) on matchday 2, so he has good numbers against Chivas as he has not experienced defeat.
