GUADALAJARA, Mexico - Chivas clung on to a 2-1 win over Morelia on Friday in its final match of 2014, ending a run of 11 games without victory for the Guadalajara club.
Two goals inside the first 15 minutes from Omar Bravo sent Chivas into a commanding position to control the game, but a headed goal from former Guadalajara winger Luis "Vaquerito" Morales one minute before halftime gave Morelia a lifeline.
In the second half, it was all Monarcas as Chivas dropped deeper, tightened up and appeared resigned to conceding an equalizer.
Center-backs Carlos Salcido and Jair Pereira kept Chivas in the match with solid performances, and goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez made a key save in the 58th minute from David Depetris.
It was a vital three points and Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre's first since returning on Oct. 7. The win ensures that Chivas won't head into the winter break in last position in the relegation table.
The honest truth -- as hard to swallow as it may be for Chivas fans desperate for this victory -- was that Guadalajara's performance was no better than in recent weeks and possibly even worse.
Bravo's opening goals owed more to Morelia's benevolent defense, which had leaked 32 goals in 16 games this Apertura going into the game.
Morelia opened like a team that has been anchored to the bottom of the Liga MX table all season and Chivas were able to take advantage.
But one minute after slack defending from Nestor Vidrio at the back post allowed Morales to head in to bring Monarcas back into the game, 17-year-old Morelia midfielder Erick Aguirre struck the crossbar. It should have served as a warning to Chivas.
Instead, Morelia came out for the second half the better side and Chivas again lacked ideas going forward. The reality is that Morelia had the chances to level the score but failed to put them away.
Guadalajara ends the Apertura with 16 points from its 17 games and will finish in 15th place if Puebla and Veracruz both fail to win this weekend.
De la Torre's body language on the sideline showed he was not happy. In fact, he looked a nervous wreck and it would have been psychologically devastating had Chivas not held on.
At least now the manager who took Chivas to their last title has some breathing space to take stock, sign the players he feels the team requires and get the club going in the right direction in 2015.