The 2025 Liga MX Apertura returns this weekend, and with it we enter the final stretch of the championship, in which Chivas is aiming to secure a direct qualifying spot for the Liguilla. Starting this Saturday, an intense week of activity lies ahead for the Rojiblancos, who will face three matches in seven days, so they will need to maximize their points tally.
This was confirmed by José Castillo, a defender who has found consistency in Gabriel Milito's team and is one of the most important pillars of the Rebaño Sagrado's defense. This afternoon, prior to the last training session in Verde Valle ahead of the Matchday 13 clash against Mazatlán, the Chiverío number 21 spoke to the media, and here are some of his statements.
"There are many factors that determine that, but in the end, our goal is definitely to be among the top teams. That is the goal we set for ourselves every tournament and every weekend."
"It's also the result of a sustained process over time. We knew that with how well we're doing things, positive results were going to come naturally. It was going to be a result of what we knew we were doing well."
"Of course, there were things that we weren't doing and that we're probably now noticing that we're managing to capitalize on. It's not so much how you start, but how you finish."
"The coaching staff is very detail-oriented. At the end of the day, they are people who know soccer inside out. They have been able to convey the message of the game plan to us in a simple way, but ultimately giving us the tools to make the best decisions on the field."
"We approach every game, even friendlies, with the same commitment. It's something the coaching staff tells us, that we don't find motivation in our opponents but in the opportunity we have to continue capitalizing on our goals, specifically winning games and continuing to climb the table, being at the top, so that's the main objective."
"It's not just the last part of the tournament that's important; absolutely every game is important, but it's in this final stretch that positions are decided, that many things are decided, so it's important to be at your best."
"We know that this week is crucial because we're going to play three games in practically 10 days. We know how important it is to get as many points as possible, considering our aspirations for the end of the tournament."
"One of the ways we can repay them is by giving the fans a team they can identify with."
"I feel totally supported by my teammates and the coaching staff, which I think is always key to trying to be at your best. Every weekend we go out to give our best, and even more so at a club like this, you have to rise to the occasion.
It's very encouraging for Chivas that very talented young players are having a significant impact, but in the end, it's not just about the young players. It's a team, and it's important that all the pieces that make it up are at their best.
