Chivas vs. Toluca: Chasing the First of Many Wins in AP26 and the Leagues Cup | OneFootball

Every tournament brings new challenges, but some carry extra significance. For Guadalajara, Matchday 1 of the Apertura 2026 presents the perfect opportunity to overcome one of the few remaining obstacles in Gabriel Milito’s project: defeating Toluca.

The Rebaño Sagrado will host the Diablos Rojos this Saturday at Estadio AKRON, a venue that has become a true fortress and recently served as one of the stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Backed by their home crowd, Guadalajarawill aim to open the semester with a victory that confirms the team's progress and sends a clear message from the very first matchday.

Although Chivas fell short against Toluca in their previous two meetings under Gabriel Milito, both matches told a different story than the final score. The team competed well, controlled long stretches of play and displayed the footballing identity that now fuels the belief that this time the outcome can be different. And all the signs suggest the stage is set.

Guadalajara arrives stronger after a year of steady growth. Kevin Castañeda and Jordan Carrillo add new dimensions to a squad that also welcomes back five World Cup players following their participation with Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In addition, six members of the Rebaño were selected for the Liga MX–MLS All-Star Game, recognition that reflects the outstanding collective and individual form the team has reached.

The numbers also support that progress. In his first year as Chivas head coach, Gabriel Milito posted a 57 percent winning percentage, recording 22 victories, 8 draws and 13 defeats across 43 official matches in Liga MX and the Leagues Cup. Just as importantly, he has instilled a clear and recognizable identity throughout Guadalajara.

Looking at the 2025 Apertura–2026 Clausura football year, Chivas finished as the third-highest points-earning club in Liga MX, collecting 65 points, trailing only Toluca and Cruz Azul. The team also registered 20 wins, 5 draws and 9 losses, scoring 62 goals while conceding just 39, numbers that highlight its evolution into one of the league's most complete sides.

And if there is one place where that growth has consistently been on display, it is at home. Should the Rebaño avoid defeat this Saturday, Estadio AKRON will witness its 15th consecutive official home match without a loss. Chivascurrently boasts a 14-match unbeaten streak at home under Gabriel Milito, turning the Fortaleza Rojiblanca into one of the club's greatest strengths.

Another statistic also fuels optimism: Guadalajara has not lost a Liga MX season opener in the last nine tournaments. During that span, the team has recorded five wins and four draws, proving that the Rebaño has developed a habit of starting championships on the right foot.

Now, the challenge is even greater. It is not only about collecting the first three points of the season. It is about defeating one of the league's top title contenders, overcoming a recent hurdle against Toluca, and confirming from the opening whistle of the Apertura 2026 that Chivas intends to remain one of Mexican football's leading protagonists.

Because the biggest tournaments begin with the biggest victories. And few opportunities seem more fitting than the one awaiting the Rebaño this Saturday, at home and in front of its people.