The keys to Chivas’ win in Mazatlán | OneFootball

Guadalajara’s victory over Mazatlán FC delivered more than just three points. It was another display of the form Gabriel Milito’s team is going through and a confirmation that Chivas have built a clear identity, especially in their work on the ball and the pressure they apply to opponents.

The Guadalajara starting eleven began the match with authority and clinical edge. In the first half, the Rebaño Sagrado quickly found the lead through Efraín Álvarez’s goal, an early strike that opened up the game and allowed Chivas to take control. With the score in their favor, the Rojiblancos played with freedom, combined fluidly, and started to find spaces through short passing sequences and intelligent movement in the attacking half.

That dominance was also reflected in the numbers: Guadalajara produced 14 shots compared to just 6 for Mazatlán, with 1.89 expected goals against 0.26, along with 68% possession—clear indicators of a team that sought to control the match through the ball. In that context came the penalty that Armando González converted to make it 2–0, his fourth goal of the tournament.

The second half was different. The game became less precise, and although it was never truly at risk, Chivas lost some sharpness. Mazatlán pulled one back from an isolated play—a well-taken free kick—that briefly tightened the scoreline.

That’s when Gabriel Milito’s side showed its composure. Rather than rushing, Guadalajara cooled the game down, lowered the tempo, and regained control through long spells of possession, neutralizing the opponent’s momentum. They even had chances to put the game away, though without the final touch. Despite injuries to José Castillo and Luis Romo, and finishing the match with a man down, the Rebaño Sagrado showed character and maturity to secure a victory that, beyond the scoreline, was fully backed by their footballing and statistical dominance.

The balance is emphatic: 5 wins in 5 matches, 15 points from 15 possible, and a solid grip on first place. The rhythm is consistent, and Guadalajara now turns its attention to one of the biggest challenges on the calendar: El Clásico de México.

It won’t be an easy matchup, but Gabriel Milito’s team will have a full week of work to prepare, both physically and tactically. February will be a demanding month, packed with matches and challenges, but this Guadalajara has made it clear that they are ready for that—and much more.