The secret few noticed, but that boosted Chivas’ performance | OneFootball

It is time to analyze Guadalajara’s footballing performance throughout the 2026 Clausura. Gabriel Milito’s team managed to go toe to toe with the competition and become one of the main protagonists of the national championship thanks to a well-executed playing system, largely built on the clear collective identity he managed to instill.

Between attack, defense, and individual growth, the Rebaño left many positive conclusions in a semester that once again gave the Nación Rojiblanca reason to dream.

An attack with multiple pathsChivas had the second-best offense of the regular season with 33 goals and was one of the teams that created the most danger throughout the tournament. Guadalajara stood out for attacking through possession, pressing high, and maintaining a very intense tempo that constantly placed players in the opposition box.

The team found many ways to hurt opponents: Richard Ledezma’s deliveries, the late runs of ‘Cotorro’ González, Armando González’s movement into space, and shots from the edge of the box by players like Brian Gutiérrez, Efraín Álvarez, Omar Govea, and Santiago Sandoval.

In addition, players like Daniel Aguirre provided depth from deeper areas, reflecting the attacking mechanisms the Rojiblanco strategist managed to establish within the team.

Even during national team absences, Chivas maintained its structure and identity, showing that the system was above any individual player.

Defensive balance despite its aggressive approachGuadalajara also finished as the second-best defense of the 2026 Clausura with just 17 goals conceded, an even more valuable figure considering the risk it constantly took in attack.

Chivas defended on the front foot: it pressed high, reduced spaces, and played with an advanced line, even with ‘Tala’ Rangel often acting as a sweeper outside the box. The key was collective work. From the forwards to the back line, the group disrupted opponents’ progression and protected the most important areas of the pitch very well.

Diego Campillo, Luis Romo, José Castillo, Miguel Tapias and Daniel Aguirre significantly raised the team’s defensive level, especially in box protection and defending crosses. That balance between attack and defense ended up being one of the Rebaño’s greatest strengths.

Individual development, Milito’s great hallmarkOne of Milito’s greatest achievements was improving his players. Santiago Sandoval took an important step forward as a second striker and a player operating between the lines, while Armando González confirmed his growth as a scorer with 24 goals in the regular season since the Argentine’s arrival, along with a scoring title and a runner-up finish in the scoring race.

Omar Govea established himself nationally as one of the most complete midfielders in Mexican football, thanks to his decision-making on the ball and defensive growth, while Daniel Aguirre ended up establishing himself as a complete player capable of interpreting different roles within the system.

Raúl Rangel also raised his level, both with his feet and in composure under pressure, establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Mexican football. How could anyone forget that penalty he saved in stoppage time against Rayados de Monterrey.

In addition, during national team absences, the team kept competing thanks to the squad’s depth. Óscar Whalley, Ricardo Marín, Ángel Sepúlveda and Santiago Sandoval himself stepped up when called upon, showing that Guadalajara had options and did not rely solely on a starting eleven.

There were 21 matches including the playoffs in a semester that left something more important than results: Chivas regained its identity, thrilled its people once again, and got its fans to fully enjoy watching their Rebaño Sagrado.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.