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Mexico gave up a 2-0 lead to end up getting a 2-2 tie against Valencia.
Mexico failed to start the October FIFA dates in the best way after getting a 2-2 tie against La Liga side Valencia. Mexico had a 2-0 lead but ended up only getting the draw after the Spanish side took advantage of defensive mistakes. The home crowd, who had a better attendance than expected, were not happy with the results and booed the team after the match ended. Mexico will now travel to Guadalajara to face their biggest rival, the United States in the last friendly before returning to official competition in November for the CONCACAF Nations League.
The first half started with a Mexican side that had an alternate squad, with only Cesar Montes and Luis Romo being possible starters although Jorge Sanchez was a starter during the 2024 Copa America but was making his debut under Coach Javier Aguirre. From the start, Mexico went on the offense and took control of the possession. Off a free kick, Alexis Vega would get off a great free kick shot that would hit the post and bounce of the back off Valencia’s goalkeeper, Vicent Abril and into the net to score and give Mexico the 1-0 lead. It was a very good shot from Vega that boosted the home crowd. A cross into the area was almost deflected by Carlos Rodriguez into his own net but it was cleared wide. After a long ball into the area, Guillermo Martinez would win the ball and get off a left footed shot in the area but his shot was brilliantly saved by Abril. Vega would get off a right footed shot from outside the area that was easily saved by Abril. Valencia started to gain possession and have more control of the match. After getting the ball outside the area, Ozziel Herrera would get off a great right footed shot that went past Abril, hit the post and went in to score and give Mexico the 2-0 lead. It was a great goal for Herrera, that would have been his first for the Senior NT if the match wasn’t against a club side. Off a corner kick, German Berterame got off a great header that forced Abril to make a great save. After Mexico lost the ball, Valencia got off a counter in which Dani Gomez got off a great right footed shot past Mexico’s goalkeeper Raul Rangel to score and place the score at 2-1. It was a bad mistake that got Valencia into the match. The halftime whistle blew and although Mexico had been the superior side, the late goal from Valencia had gotten them into the match and unsettled Mexico.
The 2nd half started with Valencia subbing out Dimitri Foulquier and Fran Perez for Thierry Correia and German Valera. Off a counter, Berterame would get off a right footed shot that forced Abril to make a good save. Later Herrere would be the one with the right footed shot that was easily saved by Abril. Rodrigo Abajas would get off a left footed shot that Rangel saved well although the play was called offside. Mexico subbed out Luis Romo, Jorge Sanchez and Cesar Montes for Erik Lira, Rodrigo Huescas and Edson Alvarez. A great cross into the area from Huescas found Martinez, who headed wide from close range, wasting a good chance. Valencia subbed out Martin Tejon, Pepelu and Hugo Guillamon for Luis Rioja, Andre Ribeiro and Cesar Tarrega. A cross into the area was badly defended by Bryan Gonzalez, which led to the ball getting to Correia. He would get a cross into the area where Dani Gomez easily got past Rodriguez and then got off a left footed shot past Rangel to score and tie the match at 2-2. Mexico now looked rattled and things were worse with the home fans starting to boo and making the “Ole” sounds against the Mexican team. Mexico subbed out Ozziel Herrera, Alexis Vega, German Berterame and Guillermo Martinez for Roberto Alvarado, Cesar Huerta, Orbelin Pineda and Raul Jimenez. The pressure from the home crowd meant Aguirre sent his best players and the time of experimenting was over. Jimenez and Pineda would combine with a play that ended with Pineda scoring but the play was ruled offside in a dubious call. Valencia subbed out Dani Gomez and Rodrigo Abajas for Sergi Canos and Ruben Iranzo. A cross into the area was just missed by Huerta as the ball was cleared by Valencia’s defense. With the changes, Mexico took back complete control of the match but Valencia did well in sitting back and stifling all the attacks Mexico tried to muster. Valencia subbed out Enzo Barrenechea for Borja Calvo. A cross into the area was headed by Jimenez but it bounced easily towards Abril. From outside the area, Huerta got off a right footed shot that would go just wide. Off a free kick, Jimenez got off a header in the area that was out of reach of Alvarez for a second header. It would be the last dangerous chance as Mexico got a frustrating tie after having a two goal lead vanish.
In what was already a tough situation, Mexico will take more negative than positive things from it. With a lot of criticism, most unfounded, because of facing a La Liga side. the fact they failed to get a victory after having a two goal lead, will earn them more criticism before a very important match. Although Mexico had more possession and was the slightly better team, Valencia did well to handle them and were never really dominated. While Mexico’s alternate squad handled themselves well at times, defensive mistakes and a couple of subpar performances turned things around in a negative way. It was worrisome that Aguirre decided that the tie ended the “experimentation” phase of the friendly as he sent his better players, which he looked to be saving for the more important match against the United States. Mexico will need to improve a lot with a probably very different starting 11 as they face their biggest rival in the United States, who they have failed to beat since 2019.
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