Mexican national team goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa of France’s AC Ajaccio was named to the Ligue 1 top 11 by that nation’s daily sports magazine L’Equipe. Ochoa managed to keep Paris St. Germain to a scoreless draw during week 20 at the Parc des Princes in Paris costing them the league lead.
PSG was left a man down in the 45th minute when Thiago Motta was sent off after a late tackle on Frederic Sammaritano. Being a man down did not affect the dominance displayed by PSG as the local squad continuously attacked the Ajaccio net.
Ochoa effectively controlled his area stopping anything that headed his way. League leading goal scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic made runs on the Mexican keeper’s net from every possible angle. He even had a shot that bounced off Ochoa’s head. Recent acquisition Brazilian Lucas Moura also challenged the Mexican but was unable to break through the former Club America goalkeeper.
This is the second time Ochoa holds PSG to a scoreless draw this season. The bears held PSG to a 0-0 in week 2 of league play. The draw keeps Ajaccio out of relegation danger. However, PSG drops to the second position on the league table giving Olympique Lyonnais the top spot at the end of week 20.
Vela continues good form in Spain
Mexican national team striker Carlos Vela of Spain’s Real Sociedad gave Coach Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre another reason to consider him for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Vela scored his eighth goal of the season.
La Real and Deportivo La Coruña drew 1-1 at the Anoeta stadium during week 18 of La Liga action. The visiting squad was able to get on the board on a defensive error by the locals. Pizzi took the ball into the area and chipped it over goalkeeper Claudio Bravo who was off his line. Deportivo took the 1-0 lead in the 27th minute.
Vela closed the gap in the final minute of the first half. He created a chance and took the ball into the area. He fired a cross shot past a diving goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia. The “bomber” reached eight goals in La Liga. His name has come up in recent days as a possible call up for Mexico’s upcoming game against Jamaica at the Azteca stadium to begin the final hexagonal of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers.
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