Guadalajara's draw in El Clásico de México has several different layers. We know that the entire Nación Rojiblanca was excited by what Chivas showed in the first half, but the circumstances of the match guided the game in a different direction, leaving several aspects to analyze heading into the remainder of the Apertura 2026.
That was Gabriel Milito's assessment during his press conference. Although he acknowledged that his players had the desired control and dominance during the opening 45 minutes, he also emphasized what was missing to round out the performance at Estadio Azteca. Here is what the Rebaño strategist had to say after the match.
Gabriel Milito's Statements After El Clásico de México
“The first half was very good in terms of control. In the second half, we couldn't have that control like we did in the first. The opponent also plays; we had to make substitutions that were felt.”
“We let 3 points slip away that, until the 2-1, we never imagined would happen. We lacked the calmness to put together longer spells of possession.”
“We would have liked to win. We had the match fairly well under control, and it slipped away because sometimes football has these circumstances. They came across that goal that surprised everyone, and that gave them an emotional boost.”
“From that point on, the match became more even, along with the changes we had to make. Those circumstances shaped the development of a match that had been under control.”
“I congratulated Hugo (Camberos) and ‘Santi’ (Sandoval) because they have done very well at the youth level. In Sandoval's case, with more involvement with the first team and being a very important player; Hugo has done very well in ‘Cotorro's’ absence. They are players with a lot of potential, and I hope they enjoy this new experience wearing the national team jersey.”
“We came here to play on a difficult pitch, against a team with good players, and at times we were able to outperform them, with stretches of good football. We have to keep moving forward; when the match ends, our emotions are running high and we are left with a bitter taste, but the opponents play too.”
