Reunión polémica: Alonso y Sánchez se enfrentan a Almada en el Clásico

MEXICO CITY — In a highly anticipated reunion filled with controversy, former Pachuca sporting director Iván Alonso and assistant coach Vicente Sánchez will face their ex-boss Guillermo Almada when Cruz Azul takes on Pachuca this Saturday at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

The match brings together three Uruguayan figures whose partnership at Pachuca abruptly ended in 2022. Alonso and Sánchez left under contentious circumstances, with Pachuca citing “reglamento violations” as the reason for Alonso’s departure, according to ESPN reports.

Almada, now in his third year as Pachuca’s head coach, previously worked with Alonso and Sánchez during their tenure at the club. Their collaboration led Pachuca to the Clausura 2022 final, where they lost to Atlas. Alonso was dismissed just before the Apertura 2022 tournament began, and Sánchez left shortly after.

After their split, Alonso became Cruz Azul’s sporting director, appointing Sánchez as the Sub-23 coach in 2023. Sánchez later took on an interim role with the first team following Martín Anselmi‘s departure to Porto in early 2025.

The trio’s history goes back further; Almada and Sánchez played together for Tacuarembó in Uruguay during the second half of 2000. Sánchez, then 21, was starting his career, while Almada, 31 at the time, was an experienced player.

“This match is more than just a game for them; it’s a chance to prove their professionalism and commitment,” said a source close to the team, noting the complexity of their past relationship.

As both teams prepare for Saturday’s clash, the encounter brings closure and a new chapter in their careers, highlighting the ever-changing landscape of Mexican football.