Chivas, Looking to Take Off in the Leagues Cup | OneFootball

Guadalajara will take the field this Saturday for the second matchday of the Leagues Cup with the conviction that the work done so far deserves to be rewarded. The Rebaño Sagrado will face FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, where they will serve as the administrative home team, with the mission of getting back to winning ways and taking an important step forward in the tournament.

There are nights when soccer demands persistence. There are matches when the final result fails to reflect what a team builds on the field. And for Chivas, this Saturday represents precisely that: a new opportunity for the good soccer they have displayed to translate into a victory.

Guadalajara enters this match with a record of one win, two draws and one defeat in their four matches played between the Apertura 2026 and the Leagues Cup. However, beyond the numbers, the Rojiblancos have plenty of footballing reasons for optimism, making it clear that there is a defined identity under the leadership of Gabriel Milito.

Against LAFC at BMO Stadium, Chivas played a match in which they imposed their conditions for much of the game. The Rebaño had possession, created danger and carried the weight of the match against one of the most competitive teams in MLS. The numbers back up that sense of dominance: 56 percent possession, 18 shots, 1.83 expected goals, five corner kicks and 616 passes, in addition to creating several big scoring chances.

The problem was not chance creation. It was finishing. Chivas found ways to get into the opposition box, created opportunities and showed personality against a high-caliber opponent, but lacked that final touch that can completely change the outcome of a match. The 1-1 draw and subsequent penalty shootout defeat left the feeling that Guadalajara deserved more based on what they produced over the 90 minutes. That is why they now have an ideal opportunity.

Staying True to the Idea

Gabriel Milito has established a clear working philosophy that the team has carried onto the field since the beginning of the semester. His trademark is evident, the team’s identity has become clear, and Chivas have shown that they can compete on the front foot, keeping possession and constantly looking for the opposition’s goal.

The message is clear: keep pushing.

The Rojiblanco coaching staff will continue to back that approach, convinced that positive results will come if the team maintains its ability to create the chances it has already shown it can produce — so much so that last tournament, they were the second-highest-scoring team in Liga MX.

The new additions have also become part of that process. Luis Rey, Kevin Castañeda and Jordan Carrillo have worked to adapt to the team’s dynamics as quickly as possible and, in their respective roles, have shown qualities that add to Guadalajara’s options.

That is complemented by Roberto Alvarado’s excellent form. He returned to the Rebaño Sagrado following an outstanding performance with Mexico and has once again demonstrated his ability to make a difference. There is also Efraín Álvarez, who returned from injury with very positive signs and has become another important piece of the Rojiblanco structure.

All Together Now

The Leagues Cup is only getting started, and Chivas know they still have plenty left to write in this tournament. The result against LAFC is already in the past. What remains is the learning experience, the belief in an idea and the certainty that this team has the tools to compete. Now it is time to turn all of that into three points. Against FC Dallas, Guadalajara have the opportunity to turn the page, get back to winning ways and grow stronger. And to make it happen, the support of their fans will also be essential.

Because in San Jose, California, Chivas will be the home team. And Rojiblanco passion knows no borders. The opportunity belongs to everyone: to the team that has worked to build an identity, to the players who have defended that idea on the field, and to a fanbase that is always there to push them forward. This Saturday, the Rebaño returns to the field. It is time to stand together, believe in what this team has built and move in the same direction in search of the victory that is within Chivas’ reach.