With 90 minutes left in the Clausura 2026, Guadalajara is not only fighting to confirm first place overall; it also has a bigger goal in sight: to become the best team of the entire season. And it’s closer than it seems.
El Rebaño arrives tonight at Matchday 17 as leader with 35 points and depends on itself to secure the top of the tournament. However, in the accumulated table for the soccer year the picture is much tighter: Chivas is third with 64 points, tied with Toluca and just one behind Cruz Azul (65), in a race that will be decided practically at the same time.
The scenario is clear, though not simple. First, Guadalajara is obliged to do its part: beat Xolos. If they do, they would reach 67 points for the season, a total that would put them with serious chances to take the top spot. But it does not depend only on them.
Toluca, which has a better goal difference (+34 to Chivas’s +23), will face León. For the rojiblanco side to have real chances, the Diablos Rojos must not win. A draw or a loss would open the door for Chivas to surpass them in the annual standings.
At the same time, Cruz Azul —the current leader of the season— faces Necaxa. La Máquina cannot win: if they draw, they would reach 66 points and would be below Chivas in the event of a rojiblanco's victory; if they lose, the path would be completely clear. The margin is minimal. The decision, imminent.
In short: Chivas needs to win, Toluca must not take three points, and Cruz Azul must drop points. Three conditions that, if met, would make them the best team of the season.
Additionally, a win over Xolos would not only keep that aspiration alive but would also secure the Clausura 2026 top spot, ensuring that El Rebaño would play all its Liguilla series at home.
Season overall table:
- Cruz Azul — 65 points (+22)
- Toluca — 64 points (+34)
- Chivas — 64 points (+23)
