Analysis of Chivas v Cruz Azul, semi-final first-leg draw | OneFootball

Guadalajara came away from the Capital Rojiblanca feeling good after a 2-2 draw against Cruz Azul in the first leg of the Clausura 2026 semifinals. Beyond the result, Gabriel Milito’s team once again showed personality, aggression, and an important ability to change the match tactically.

From the start, Chivas made it clear they were not going to sit back. They pressed high, looked to disrupt Cruz Azul’s buildup, and set up an intense match against an opponent with a very defined model and players of enormous quality.

Milito once again introduced some tweaks compared to what was seen against Tigres. “Oso” González started as the left center-back, with the task of closely tracking José Paradela, while Efraín Álvarez partnered Omar Govea in midfield. Further forward, Santiago Sandoval once again appeared behind the front two, an area from which he would end up being decisive.

And it was Sandoval who opened the scoring. Guadalajara broke Cruz Azul’s press with a good sequence through the middle and, after a shot by Ricardo Marín that Kevin Mier spilled, the Chivas attacking midfielder reacted quickly to tap the ball in and score his third goal of the current Liguilla.

Cruz Azul responded and equalized before halftime in a quick transition, but in the second half Chivas once again found answers through adjustments.

Miguel Gómez coming on for Efraín Álvarez changed the team’s structure. “Cotorro” González moved back to left center-back, Miguel Gómez took the wing, and “Oso” returned alongside Govea in midfield. That move changed Guadalajara’s attacking dynamic.

The response was immediate. Gómez took advantage of being on his opposite side to cut inside and send a great cross to the far post, where Ángel Sepúlveda appeared with an extraordinary finish to restore the lead for the Rebaño.

However, a controversial penalty allowed Cruz Azul to level the match once again. Even so, Chivas closed out the game well and created chances that could have become the third goal.

The big takeaway from the night was once again Gabriel Milito’s adaptability. Without changing too many names, the coach adjusted roles and collective behaviors to compete in a match completely different from the one he experienced against Tigres.

Now, Guadalajara will head to Estadio Jalisco with a slight advantage, since any draw on aggregate will send them through to the final of Mexican soccer. Even so, based on what they showed in the first leg, the Rebaño will surely look to win the series in front of their fans.

The 3 standout players of the match

Diego CampilloThe Chivas center-back once again turned in a very solid performance. He won several duels against Osinachi Ebere, covered space well, and was strong in interceptions and clearances. Once again, he was a key piece in holding the defensive line together.

Ricardo MarínAlthough the match demanded a lot physically, Marín once again contributed with his hold-up play and in aerial duels. He won important balls, extended plays, and was directly involved in the first goal with the shot that led to the rebound Sandoval put away.

Richard LedezmaThe right wing-back was once again a very difficult player to contain. He constantly drifted inside, found spaces, and was the one who started the play for the second goal with a great switch to Miguel Gómez. He also produced several positive actions in duels and quick combinations.

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