CD Guadalajara - Athletic Club
- 16' Pérez
- 72' Padilla
LocationAkron , Guadalajara
Chivas lift the Tree of Gernika Trophy
Penalties settle the winner of this beautiful tournament after a 2-0 victory for the Mexicans at the Estadio Akron, the reverse of the scoreline at San Mames
Chivas triumphed to take home the Tree of Gernika Trophy on penalties after both sides won their home games. On the day, the difference in experience worked in Vejko Paunovic's side's favour in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The match reflected the passion and emotion shown throughout this tie. The bond between Chivas and Athletic Club will remain forever. The Mexican club hosted Athletic like true brothers. And the crowd at the Akron, with a notable Basque presence, treated the match as if it were official.
Aware of the short preparation period and the difficulty entailed in facing the Mexican league leaders, Ernesto Valverde fielded a different eleven for each half. A handful of youngsters made their unofficial debuts and it was great to see Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta back in the red and white stripes
Chivas threatened more in the first half, hovering around Unai Simon's area and scoring in the 15th minute through Pavel Perez. Los Leones only shots came via Iker Muniain and Nico Serrano.
Athletic were much improved in the second 45, Mikel Vesga had a clear chance after being played through by Raúl García, but Paunovic's team scored again through Yael Padilla.
In the penalty shoot-out, Chivas scored all four of their spot-kicks, with Raúl García and Unai Vencedor missing after Vesga and Jon Morcillo had scored.
