Chivas Battle in the Borderland to Defeat Bravos and Keep a Perfect Start in CL26

Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.– Two qualities are quickly becoming trademarks of Gabriel Milito’s Chivas: unwavering commitment and the character to rise in moments of maximum pressure. That was once again evident in a demanding visit to the Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez, where, despite a difficult start, Guadalajara never gave up and, with a dramatic last-minute goal, edged Bravos 1-0 on Matchday 2 of the Clausura 2026.

The opening stages were a fierce battle for possession. Chivas struggled to find accuracy in their attacking play, allowing the hosts to grow into the game and threaten the red-and-white goal. Even so, the team showed organization, commitment and defensive solidity to neutralize Bravos’ attacksAfter the break, Chivas showed a different face.

With greater intensity, high pressing and a much more aggressive rhythm on the ball, they took control of the match and began to create constant danger. The opening goal came close on several occasions: first with a curling effort from Brian Gutiérrez, then with a header from ‘Cotorro’, and later with a powerful strike from Luis Romo, but each time the home goalkeeper rose to the occasion to deny the visitors.

Gabriel Milito adjusted his pieces, and the changes ultimately made the difference. As the clock ticked down and a draw seemed inevitable, Chivas’ belief once again prevailed. In the 94th minute, Ricardo Marín brilliantly flicked the ball on inside the box, and Yael Padilla, with composure and quality, finished with a left-footed shot across goal to spark wild celebrations and seal a victory that rewarded Guadalajara’s perseverance.

With this result, Chivas maintain their perfect start to the Clausura 2026 and will now return to Guadalajara to prepare for their next match, this Saturday, January 17, at Estadio AKRON against Querétaro’s Gallos Blancos.

Bravos 0-1 Chivas
(Yael Padilla 94’)
Referee: Adonai Escobedo
Venue: Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez

Lineups

Bravos: Sebastián Jurado, Jesús Murillo, Moisés Castillo, Francisco Nevárez, Eder López (Javier Aquino 65’), Denzell García, Madson de Souza (Guilherme 77’), José Rodríguez, Homer Martínez (Rodolfo Pizarro 65’), Ricardinho (sub. 45’) (Raymundo Fulgencio 77’), Óscar Estupiñán (Ettson Ayón 65’).
Head coach: Pedro Caixinha

Chivas: Raúl Rangel, Richard Ledezma (inj. 19’) (Miguel Gómez 78’), Daniel Aguirre, Luis Romo, José Castillo, Bryan González, Omar Govea, Brian Gutiérrez (Ricardo Marín 86’), Efraín Álvarez (Yael Padilla 78’), Roberto Alvarado (Santiago Sandoval 78’), Armando González (Ángel Sepúlveda 68’).
Head coach: Gabriel Milito