PROUD TO REPRESENT TIJUANA -Javier Gandolfi

Xoloitzcuintles Captain Previews match vs. Atletico Mineiro: 2013 Copa Libertadores Quarterfinals

TIJUANA –Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente faces Club Atletico Mineiro of Brazil in the quarterfinals of the 2013 Copa Bridgestone Libertadores. Xoloitzcuintles captain Javier Gandolfi analyzed the possible scenario in Tijuana after it was announced that the first leg match will take place Thursday May 23 at Estadio Caliente (5:30 pm. Pacific).


 


“We are ready,” Gandolfi said after a practice at the Centro de Iniciacion Friday May 17. “We have a week to work on this first game of the series. To be in the quarterfinals of the Libertadores is an accomplishment that fills us with pride and it is something we always had in mind, to be in an international tournament and now that we have accomplished it we are looking to continue making history. We know that we have a complete and capable team to face this round. We proudly represent Tijuana and Mexico.”  


 


Coach Antonio Mohamed’s team went through a tough training regimen and soccer schemes in reduced spaces, preparing tactics against Atletico Mineiro, the top team in the group phase.


 


“We faced very important teams in the first round and we were able to beat the (Club) World Champion Corinthians and now we know what it means to play against a world renowned team like Atletico Mineiro with players like Ronaldinho on its lineup,” Gandolfi said. We have great hope to show why we are here and have the confidence in each teammate to play the game as if it was a final.” 


 


The Xoloitzcuintles captain invited fans to attend the game and at the same time thanked them for their support since the team was in Mexico’s Liga de Ascenso.


 


“We have confidence that our fans will always back us,” Gandolfi said. “We are going to give it our 100-percent on the field and give a bit extra and try to keep writing our history the same way we expect ouor fans to be with us and enjoy the game in their seats.”


 


After the first leg in Tijuana, the Xoloitzcuintles will play the second leg at Estadio Mieirao de Belo Horizonte May 30 (6 p.m. Pacific) against Atletico Mineiro of Brazil.


 


Tickets to the first leg match went on sale Friday May 17 only for XoloPass holders. Tickets have the same price as in the Round of 16 against Palmeiras: VIP $850 (pesos); Zones 1 and 2 $700; North Numbered $500, South End $450 and North End $400. Tickets will go on sale to the general public May 21.