Guadalajara’s start to the Clausura 2026 has offered several positive takeaways, but one stands out for its consistency and specific impact on the team’s collective performance: the influence of its defensive line. After three rounds, the Rebaño Sagrado can point to five players who have played every minute of the tournament, each totaling 270 minutes and establishing themselves as pillars of the Rojiblanco momentum.
The names speak for themselves: Raúl Rangel, José Castillo, Bryan González, Luis Romo and Daniel Aguirre. All members of the team’s first line, they have been essential not only in making the Chiverío the best defensive side in the league so far, but also in enhancing Guadalajara’s attacking play.
Although they operate from the back, their influence goes far beyond defensive structure. The clarity of their first passes, their ability to break lines through ball-carrying, and the courage to join the attack have become central to the team’s identity since Gabriel Milito’s arrival. In particular, Aguirre and González have consistently pushed forward to the byline, creating advantages down the flanks and also through inside channels, expanding the team’s attacking options.
Romo fits perfectly into that same dynamic. He is a key player thanks to his reading of the game, his coverage behind the stoppers and his precision when playing into space. His distribution has been decisive in taking advantage of the runs of players such as ‘Cotorro’ González, Richard Ledezma, Efraín Álvarez and Roberto Alvarado, making him an essential link between ball recovery and chance creation.
Meanwhile, José Castillo has once again demonstrated his versatility and understanding of the game. Often the last man alongside Romo, the defender has featured in various positions since arriving at the club — left back, right back and center back — and is now performing confidently as the left-sided stopper in a back three, providing security and clean build-up.
This structure would not be complete without Raúl Rangel. The Rojiblanco goalkeeper is enjoying an outstanding moment, backed by sharp reflexes, decisive saves and notable involvement in build-up play. His ability to combine in short spaces as well as find teammates with long distribution has given the team invaluable reliability from the back — a level of performance that now positions and consolidates him as El Tri’s goalkeeper.
Five players, 270 minutes each, and one clear conclusion: Chivas defends and attacks with everyone. The team has shown itself to be well-drilled and equipped with multiple resources to hurt the opponent. But this is not only the result of hours on the training ground; it is also a reflection of collective commitment, as every player is willing to cover any area of the pitch and fulfill any role so the Rebaño Sagrado can continue enjoying its current momentum.
