SERIE A
Mexico national team goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa makes Serie A history with Salernitana
Ochoa has become a firm fan favourite in his time in Salerno, helping his club embark on a lengthy unbeaten run.
Former Club América hero Guillermo Ochoa’s Italian fairytale continues, with the goalkeeper helping Salernitana make history in Serie A on Saturday. The Mexican was a virtual spectator as his team comfortably dispatched Sassuolo 3-0 on home soil, a victory which has seen them set their longest ever unbeaten run in the competition.
Playing in the Italian top flight for the just the fourth season in their history, I Granata are now undefeated in their last eight matches, with Ochoa playing a crucial role between the sticks, if not especially in their latest fixture.
Champions League semi-finalists unable to beat Ochoa and Salernitana
Managed by former Juventus, Inter and Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa, Salernitana last tasted defeat all the way back on 19 February at home to Lazio. Since then, they have posted two victories (at home Monza and now Sassuolo) either side of six consecutive draws, which included matches against Champions League semi-finalists Milan and Inter.
Since joining the club at start of January, Ochoa has started 14 of 16 possible matches, with his return to the starting line-up following the defeat to Lazio coinciding with the Salerno outfit’s upturn in fortune. The Mexico international has kept only two clean sheets but has become a firm fan favourite thanks for a series of fine saves and performances. Following the 1-1 draw away to Torino last weekend, Ochoa was seen throwing his shirt, shorts and gloves into the away section at the end of the game.
When does Ochoa’s Salernitana deal end?
Until this season, Salernitana had never before spent two years in a row in Serie A but their fine recent run leaves them in a good position to extend their stay, with Sousa’s side seven points clear of the relegation zone with seven matches to play. Ochoa’s contract expires at the end of June but there is an option for both parties to extend their relationship, which could well happen if on-field performances are the deciding factor.