Report From A Mexico City Derby
du Nord, April 22, 2009
Runnin’ With The RebelsBy Andrew MacDonaldMarch 22, 2009Few stadiums in the world generate the type of historical recognition associated with that of Estadio Azteca, the National stadium of México’s Tricolor and home of Club América in México City. Having hosted two World Cups as well as Maradona’s infamous “Mano de Díos”, this day’s match-up at Azteca also had the potential to be memorable- a México City derby between América and UNAM Pumas. Some strongly argue that this rivalry is as heated, yet less commercialized, than the SuperClásico between América and Guadalajara’s Chivas club. The intensity surrounding the América-Pumas derby can be best traced to their three-game battle for the league trophy in 1985.The ’85 Final will be remembered for a couple of ominous reasons- the death of eight Pumas fans, asphyxiated in one of the tunnels preceding the second game at Pumas’ CU stadium, as well as alleged match-fixing in favor of América by the referee in the third and deciding match. Played before 50,000 fans