Clifford Aboagye 'confident' Atlas will win El Clásico Tapatío | OneFootball

El Clásico Tapatío is always a welcome time in Mexico, as Guadalajara’s two biggest clubs, Chivas and Atlas, come together for a memorable occasion.

Though Atlas struggled mightily in 2018, winning just seven league matches over the calendar year, they have been impressive in the 2019 Clausura and are currently in sixth place, one point behind their bitter rivals.

However, for one Atlas player, Clifford Aboagye, he still feels the pain from the 2017 Clausura season.

During his first season in Mexico, Chivas and Atlas were paired in the Liguilla after finishing third and sixth, respectively, after a wild campaign that saw the second and 10th placed teams separated by just three points.

Atlas would win the opening leg 1-0 in front of their own fans, only to drop the reverse fixture by the same scoreline to see Chivas advance by way of being the higher seed.

Aboagye says he still has not gotten over the defeat.

“I remember that game that we played in the Liguilla that eliminated us there, it was a game that ended our season,” the Ghanaian told AS.

“We knew it was a Liguilla fixture that could take us a step forward, but we lost it.

“It was very painful for the fans, players, and everyone on the team.

“Yes, I still have it in my mind because I remember that match very well.”

Although Chivas went on to win the title that season, the 24-year-old insists he is not salty about it.

“I was not affected by any of that, they deserved it, they worked well, they were champions, and I congratulate them.”

Aboagye sees this Saturday’s match as the ultimate shot at redemption and is confident that his side can get it done.

“We have to win, we must work well and focus on going to win that match.

“It is a local derby and in these type of matches, you have to go out with everything to win for the fans.

“I am with my team and I know we have been working well, I am confident that we will win.

Kickoff from the Estadio Akron is set for 10 pm EST.