Some teams seem built for certain competitions, and Chivas has always been one of Mexico’s strongest representatives in the Copa Libertadores. The Guadalajara side made its first appearance in the tournament 28 years ago, in a match that drew national attention and captivated fans across South America.
The 1998 edition of the continental tournament marked the first time Mexican clubs participated. After advancing through the Pre-Libertadores stage against Venezuelan teams, Guadalajara and América were placed in Group 2 alongside Brazilian clubs Grêmio and Vasco da Gama.
And it could not have happened any other way: Chivas became the first Mexican team to earn a victory in the competition after defeating Grêmio 1–0 at Estadio Jalisco on a memorable March 10, in front of a crowd of Chivahermanos that nearly filled the iconic stadium on Calzada Independencia.
Under the management of Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti and with the core of the squad that had won the Verano 1997 title, the Chiverío controlled the match against the Brazilian side, which featured none other than Ronaldinho in its attack. The Brazilian team chose to sit back, wary of the physical demands posed by the altitude of Guadalajara, which favored the Rojiblancos’ style of play.
With width provided by Gerardo Mascareño and Jesús Arellano on the wings, Guadalajara was relentless in attack. Their pressure forced the visitors to commit frequent fouls in order to stop their runs down the flanks. That partnership ultimately produced the decisive goal that delivered the team’s first three points in the competition: Mascareño crossed from the left to the far post, where “El Cabrito” Arellano arrived to finish and push the ball into the back of the net in the north goal.
Chivas’ Starting XI vs. Grêmio: Gustavo Sedano, Noé Zárate, Claudio Suárez, Joel Sánchez, Camilo Romero, Alberto Coyote, Ramón Ramírez, Paulo César Chávez, Jesús Arellano, Ignacio Vázquez, Gerardo Mascareño.
Chivas’ record in the Copa Libertadores
Appearances: 7 (1998, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012)
Best finish: Runner-up (2010) / Semifinalist (2005, 2006)
Total matches: 60 (25 wins, 14 draws, 21 losses)
Goals scored: 81
