The best academy in Mexico stepped up again, this time with a 1-0 win for Guadalajara Sub 21 over Atlas in the second leg of the Quarterfinals, a result that secured their place in the next round of the Clausura 2026 with a 2-1 aggregate score.
With the intensity that defines the Clásico Tapatío—even at youth level—the Rebaño came into the match at Gigantera holding the aggregate advantage, knowing that even a draw would be enough to advance to the Semifinals.
The match was played with high tension, with every play contested to the limit. When it seemed the game would end scoreless, Sebastián Esparza appeared in the 93rd minute, breaking into space, winning the one-on-one against the goalkeeper, and finishing with a subtle touch to seal the series against the side from Nextipac.
With this result, the young rojiblancos will face FC Juárez in the Semifinals of Liga MX Sub 21, opening the series on the road and closing it once again at Gigantera next week.
Guadalajara Sub 21 1 (2-1) 0 Atlas Sub 21
Second Leg – Clausura 2026 Quarterfinals
Referee: Alan Eduardo Contreras Sotelo
Venue: Gigantera
Lineups
Guadalajara: 190 Robinho Romero; 195 Diego Rosales, 214 Yohan Orozco, 254 Emiliano Rodríguez; 203 Raúl Nuño, 207 Raúl Martínez, 196 Diego Covarrubias (C), 258 Leonel Calderón; 240 Gael García, 279 Esteban Mendoza and 57 Jesús Hernández.
Head Coach: Luis Arce
Atlas: 181 Luis Hernández; 188 Luis Suárez, 190 Eric Villegas, 196 Miguel Hernández, 218 Jorge San Martín; 192 Jesús Serrato, 195 Diego Trejo, 204 Luis Arroyo, 208 Jesús Guillén and 203 José Martín.
Head Coach: Francisco Bravo
