Chivas Solidify Their Position in Liga MX with Strong Performances

The Apertura 2026 season has marked a notable growth phase for Chivas under the guidance of coach Gabriel Milito. After seven matchdays, Guadalajara finds itself in a commendable second place in Liga MX, accumulating 14 points through a record of four wins, two draws, and just one loss.

This second-place standing is not merely a reflection of their position but rather a testament to the team's evolving performance. Chivas have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and improve their gameplay, showcasing a more defined identity as the tournament progresses.

The season began on a challenging note for El Rebaño, suffering a 0-2 defeat to Toluca at the AKRON Stadium. However, the team quickly rebounded, securing their first victory against Juárez with a narrow 1-0 win in Matchday 2. Following this, a pivotal 1-1 draw against Puebla served as a turning point, setting the stage for a more cohesive performance in subsequent matches.

By Matchday 4, Chivas began to exhibit a clearer attacking strategy, culminating in their first away victory against Santos, which they won 1-0. This was followed by one of the standout performances of the season, a commanding 5-2 victory over Tijuana at home, which highlighted their offensive capabilities.

In Matchday 6, Chivas faced another test away from home against Pachuca, where they initially took the lead but ultimately settled for a draw. However, in their latest outing against Atlético de San Luis, Chivas showcased their efficiency, converting all three of their shots on target and completing an impressive 564 passes throughout the match.

Chivas' offensive resurgence drives success

A key area of improvement for Guadalajara has been their finishing ability. Initially struggling to convert chances, recent performances have seen a marked increase in their attacking efficiency. The 5-2 win over Tijuana and a solid 3-0 victory against Atlético de San Luis have underscored their offensive resurgence, with Chivas now boasting the second-best attack in the Apertura 2026, having scored 12 goals in seven matches.

Defensively, Chivas have also found a balance, ranking as the third-best defense in the league with only six goals conceded. This combination of a potent attack and a solid defense has been crucial in securing their current points tally.

Individually, players like Ricardo Marín and Roberto Alvarado have emerged as key contributors, each netting four goals and ranking high in the Liga MX scoring table. Marín, in particular, has been in outstanding form, leading all Mexican players in Liga MX with six direct goal contributions, including four goals and two assists.

In goal, Raúl Rangel has been instrumental, earning his third clean sheet of the tournament against Atlético de San Luis, where he made several crucial saves, including a standout stop that preserved the clean sheet. With 14 points and a solid position in the standings, Chivas are poised to continue their upward trajectory as the tournament unfolds, showcasing a team that is steadily finding its best form.