Alejandro Domínguez (footballer, born 1981)

Alejandro Damián Domínguez (born 10 June 1981), also known as Chori, is a former Argentinian footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or a second striker.

Chori Domínguez
Domínguez playing for Olympiacos in 2015.
Personal information
Full name Alejandro Damián Domínguez
Date of birth (1981-06-10) 10 June 1981
Place of birth Quilmes, Argentina
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in)
Position(s) Attacking midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Olympiacos
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2001 Quilmes 25 (6)
2001–2004 River Plate 29 (9)
2004–2007 Rubin Kazan 63 (21)
2007–2009 Zenit St. Petersburg 46 (7)
2009–2010 Rubin Kazan 23 (16)
2010–2012 Valencia 22 (0)
2011–2012 → River Plate (loan) 33 (5)
2012–2013 Rayo Vallecano 33 (5)
2013–2017 Olympiacos 82 (28)
2017–2018 Rayo Vallecano 19 (2)
Total 375 (99)
National team
2001 Argentina U20 3 (1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Career

Early career

After playing for second league club Quilmes, Domínguez, nicknamed 'Chorí' since he was a teenager, was signed by Argentinian giants River Plate, crowning himself later on as three times Clausura champion with The Millionaires.

Rubin Kazan

Scouted by several European clubs, he ended up signing for Russian side Rubin Kazan, in 2004. During 2006 pre-season Rubin tried to sell him, but they were not satisfied with the amount offered for him and decided to keep him.[1]

Domínguez scoring in Zenit's 8–1 win over Luch

Zenit Saint Petersburg

Domínguez was signed by FC Zenit Saint Petersburg for €7 million before the start of 2007 Russian season, breaking the record transfer fee inside the Russian Premier League, however the record was exceeded in 2008, when Danny moved from FC Dynamo Moscow to Zenit Saint Petersburg for a fee well above 30 million euros.[2] One of Domínguez's most notable performances was in the 4–0 UEFA Cup victory over Bayern Munich which sent Zenit to the final of the competition for the first time in the history of the club. Domínguez played exceptionally well and provided 2 assists. Zenit's fans will never forget how Dominguez won them their first championship title in 2007. The Gazprom-sponsored side needed a win at now-defunct Saturn in order to finish top and had to defend a last-minute corner when leading 1–0. As the Zenit Saint Petersburg defence froze, Baffour Gyan's header seemed to be making its way into the net, only for Chori—one of the shortest players on the pitch at 5-foot-7 – to miraculously jump on the line and head it onto the crossbar.[3]

Back to Rubin Kazan

On 13 March 2009, Rubin Kazan signed 'Chori' back from Zenit, where he had some problems with the coach Dick Advocaat.

In the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League, Domínguez played well for Rubin, providing the team with goals against Inter Milan and FC Dynamo Kiev. He also made an assist to Gökdeniz Karadeniz who scored a stunning match-winning goal against FC Barcelona during the group stage. Rubin Kazan failed to advance to the first knockout round due to a 2–0 loss against Internazionale.

He was named the best footballer in Russia of 2009 by the Russian Football Union, Sport Express newspaper and Russian weekly magazine Futbol.

Valencia

On 11 December 2009, it was announced that Domínguez would join Valencia. He signed a three-and-a-half year long contract on 14 December 2009.[4] Dominguez was behind Roberto Soldado and Aritz Aduriz in the selection.[5]

At the middle of the 2010–11 season, Sky Sport Italia and Tuttosport claimed that Juventus had reached an agreement for a loan with the option to make it a permanent move in the summer. There were doubts as to whether the deal would go through as voices suggested the striker lacked an EU passport, meaning Juventus would not be able to sign him. However, it was revealed he had an Italian passport, making him eligible to join Juve as he would not affect their non-EU quotas.[6]

River Plate

In the middle of 2011, the player contacted his employers at Valencia to negotiate a loan to former club River Plate, which had been relegated for the first time in its history to the second division of Argentina.[7] His gesture was highly appreciated by the fans, and Domínguez featured as one of the team's stars in both attacking midfielder and forward roles for the club, scoring 5 goals, providing numerous assists and functioning as vice-captain.

Rayo Vallecano

In late June 2012, after he had achieved a return to the first division with River Plate, Domínguez was told he would not continue to play for River, as the club decided not to negotiate his transfer from Valencia. He left alongside top scorer and former captain Fernando Cavenaghi, both stating irreconcilable differences with club president, Daniel Passarella.[8] He didn't stay in Valencia and was contracted at the beginning of August 2012 by Spanish Primera división club Rayo Vallecano, on a one-year deal. After signing the contract, he confessed the project they presented him was attractive, but he also chose the club because of the red stripe on the white home shirt, which reminded him of his home team River Plate's kit.[9]

Olympiacos

The 32-year-old Argentine was widely expected to remain in Spain following his 12-month spell at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, but instead opted to join former Getafe and Sevilla boss Michel at the Karaiskakis Stadium.[10]

In July 2013, Domínguez signed a two-year contract with Greek side Olympiakos.[11] On 1 December 2013, he scored his first goal with the club in the Super League in a 3–0 home win against Ergotelis.[12] On 26 February 2014 after he had scored one goal against Manchester United in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie, he told UEFA's official site that : "I am so happy. I am very satisfied with the team's work and the victory we achieved. I believe we have made a big step – a giant leap forward".[13][14]

On 13 September 2014 Domínguez impressed again scoring a spectacular goal in a 3–0 home win against OFI.[15] He also impressed in Olympiacos' 3–2 home win against Atletico Madrid. He was subsequently named in the Champions League "Team of the Week". On 9 December 2014, Dominguez impressed again by scoring an amazing goal in a 4–2 home win against Malmö for UEFA Champions League.[16]

On 2 April 2015, the Argentine attacking midfielder had been an indispensable member of Olympiakos squad for yet another season pledged his future to the club by signing a new contract until 2017. Despite the offers from his homeland Dominguez decided to stay at Olympiakos as he was very happy with his life in Greece. “I'm glad that I signed a new deal. I'm very happy with that. My family is also happy here in Greece. That's why I decided to renew my contract. There were offers from Argentina but Olympiakos wanted me to stay here as well. I feel great playing at such a great club which competes for titles every season. I like living under pressure,” Dominguez underlined.[17] In the 2014/15 the club won the league and he scored 15 goals (3rd highest in the league) and provided 11 assists (highest in the league).

On 23 May 2015, Alejandro Domínguez scored as Olympiacos celebrated their 27th Greek Cup triumph thanks to a 3–1 victory against Skoda Xanthi at the Olympic Stadium. Receiving the ball inside his own half, Domínguez escaped two challenges, drove towards the area and unleashed a stunning curling effort.[18][19][20]

On 12 September 2015, Dominguez scored his first goal for the 2015–16 season in a home 3–1 win against Platanias. He had a long shot hit the post in the 44th but did not miss in the 52nd when he took a back heel pass from Brown Ideye inside the area, dribbled past a defender, and shot low just inside the right post.[21] On 13 December 2015, Dominguez helped his club, by scoring the only goal, to reach the 14th victory in a row for Greek Super League setting a new club record, by winning Panetolikos</ref> On 3 January 2016, he scored the first goal helping his club to escape with a 3–1 away win against Panionios.[22] On 18 February 2016, in the 1st leg UEFA Europa League game for the round of 32 against RSC Anderlecht, Argentine midfielder Dominguez reached 100 matches with Olympiakos' jersey.[23]

On 25 August 2016, in a crucial second leg match for Europa League play offs, he entered in the last minute of the game, and by scoring the first goal in extra time helped his club to escape with a 2–1 home win (3–1 on aggregate) against Portuguese club Arouca.​ [24] As of mid November 2016, Olympiakos manager Paulo Bento did not include Chori Dominguez in his first team plans. However, the Argentine maestro was always very enthusiastic and professional in training and is ready to see out his contract at Olympiakos as a move in January is not among his options.[25] Dominguez's positive influence in the club's offensive efficacy, even as a late-game substitute, was proven on various occasions, such as the home game against Panetolikos on 18 December 2016, where he greatly helped Olympiakos mount a comeback from 0–1 behind to eventually win the game 3–1.[26] On April 2017, with the arrival of the new coach Takis Lemonis, gradually returned to the starting squad and he finished the season with an away goal in a 2–0 win against Panetolikos F.C. helping his club to win the fourth consecutive Super League title.[27]

Return to Rayo

On 7 August 2017, Rayo Vallecano confirmed the return of Domínguez to the club.[28]

Retirement

On 28 June 2019, Alejandro Dominguez, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38. [29]

Career statistics
As of match played 12 July 2018[30][31]
Club Season League Cup Continental Total
Division AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Quilmes 2000–01 Argentine Primera División 2560000256
River Plate 2000–01 Argentine Primera División 22000022
2001–02 Argentine Primera División 1550000155
2002–03 Argentine Primera División 1220000122
Total 2990000299
Rubin Kazan 2004 Russian Premier League 1823010222
2005 Russian Premier League 2262000246
2006 Russian Premier League 231342323017
Total 632192427625
Zenit St. Petersburg 2007 Russian Premier League 2434370356
2008 Russian Premier League 2241050284
Total 467531206310
Rubin Kazan 2009 Russian Premier League 231620623118
Valencia 2009–10 La Liga 1301000140
2010–11 La Liga 901061161
Total 2202061301
River Plate 2011–12 Primera B Nacional 3351100346
Rayo Vallecano 2012–13 La Liga 3350000335
Olympiacos 2013–14 Super League Greece 23573833811
2014–15 Super League Greece 301551824318
2015–16 Super League Greece 1854250277
2016–17 Super League Greece 1132051184
Total 822818626612640
Rayo Vallecano 2017–18 Segunda División 1921000202
Career total 3759938125411467122

Honours
Domínguez (standing in the centre) alongside his Zenit team mates delighted to win Premier League trophy

Club

River Plate

Zenit Saint Petersburg

Rubin Kazan

  • Russian Premier League: 2009

Olympiacos

Rayo Vallecano

International
Argentina U20

Individual

Walked out with the Wick Academy legend Ryan Henderson during their 3–0 away loss to Manchester United

References
  1. "Kurban Berdyev's press conference" (in Russian). FC Rubin official website. 19 January 2006. Archived from the original on 7 November 2007. Retrieved 2 April 2008.
  2. uefa.com
  3. Yokhin, Michael (25 February 2014). "Without Mitroglou and Saviola, Dominguez can step up for Olympiakos". ESPN. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  4. "Domínguez swaps Rubin for Valencia". UEFA.com. 14 December 2009. Archived from the original on 19 December 2009. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  5. "Want To Be Valencia's Playmaker – Alejandro Dominguez". www.goal.com. 6 September 2010.
  6. "Juventus Close To Signing Alejandro Dominguez From Valencia". www.goal.com. 31 January 2011.
  7. "Dominguez seals season-long loan switch from Valencia to River Plate – report". www.goal.com. 7 July 2011.
  8. ""Nos sentimos traicionados por Passarella", acusan Cavenaghi y "Chori"" (in Spanish). playfutbol. July 2012.
  9. "Chori Domínguez: "La franja roja es especial para mí"" (in Spanish). AS.com. 18 August 2012.
  10. "Chori Dominguez opts for Olympiacos". uk.eurosport.yahoo.com. 3 July 2013.
  11. "Alejandro Domínguez joins Olympiacos". Olympiacos.org. 2 July 2013.
  12. "Olympiacos – Ergotelis 3–0". Olympiacos.org. 1 December 2013.
  13. "Domínguez determined to finish United off". UEFA. 26 February 2014.
  14. "EUROPE BOWS TO OLYMPIAKOS". discoveryfootball.com. 27 February 2014.
  15. "Win over OFI: done! Time now for Atletico!". Olympiacos.org. 13 September 2014.
  16. "Alejandro Dominguez Fantasic Goal ~ Olympiacos vs Malmö 2–1 HD (UCL) 09-12-2014". www.youtube.com.
  17. "Dominguez excited with new Olympiakos deal". www.sdna.gr. 2 April 2015.
  18. "Domínguez stunner helps Olympiacos to 27th cup". www.uefa.com. 23 May 2015.
  19. "Olympiakos beats Xanthi 3–1 in Greek Cup final". news.yahoo.com. 23 May 2015.
  20. "Olympiakos beats Xanthi 3–1 in Greek Cup final". www.charlotteobserver.com. 23 May 2015. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015.
  21. "Olympiakos remains unbeaten in Greece, beats Platanias 3–1". www.kentucky.com. 12 September 2015.
  22. "Φεστιβάλ γκολ στην επανάληψη, 3–1 ο Ολυμπιακός τον Πανιώνιο". www.sport24.gr. 3 January 2016.
  23. "Dominguez reaches 100 matches with Olympiakos". www.sdna.gr. 18 February 2016.
  24. "Alejandro Dominguez (Olympiakos) goal agaisnt [sic] Arouca (1–1) [2–1 on Agg.]". www.mpdb.us. 25 August 2016. Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  25. "Ντομίνγκες: "Μην μπερδεύετε την ευγένειά μου με αδυναμία"". www.sport24.gr. 23 November 2016.
  26. "Τσόρι, Καρντόσο έσωσαν Ολυμπιακό και Μπέντο!". Sportdog.gr. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  27. "Με νίκη έκλεισε τη σεζόν ο Ολυμπιακός, 2–0 τον Παναιτωλικό στο Αγρίνιο". www.sport24.gr. 30 April 2017.
  28. "Alejandro 'Chori' Domínguez nuevo jugador del Rayo Vallecano". Rayo Vallecano. 7 August 2017.
  29. "Alejandro 'Chori' Domínguez nuevo jugador del Rayo Vallecano". Rayo Vallecano. 7 August 2017.
  30. "Alejandro Domínguez » Club matches". worldfootball.net. Retrieved 11 July 2018.
  31. "DOMINGUEZ ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT". www.agonasport.com. 28 June 2019.
  32. Sport Express Archived 6 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  33. Во вторник РФС вручил главные футбольные премии 2009 года
  34. Алехандро ДОМИНГЕС ЛУЧШИЙ ПО ОПРОСУ "СЭ" ИГРОК ЧЕМПИОНАТА РОССИИ-2009
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