Ricardo Marín has proven his value to Guadalajara’s overall play this semester, and in last weekend’s El Clásico de México, he once again found the back of the net by scoring the temporary 0-2 lead, taking his tally to 5 goals and 2 assists in the Apertura 2026. With 7 goal contributions, he is the most productive Mexican player so far this campaign.
Marín has recorded that production in 513 minutes of action, meaning he directly contributes to a goal every 73.3 minutes, further confirming the excellent form he is enjoying with Chivas. In fact, this is his best record since making his first-division debut, with only half of the championship played and 8 regular-season matches still remaining.
But his contribution goes far beyond the numbers. The ‘4K’ has shown his quality in the air, both when competing for 50-50 balls and when becoming a reference point for the team as it looks to move forward. He has also become increasingly influential when battling with center backs with his back to goal, using his physical strength to shield the ball, maintain possession and allow the team to push higher up the pitch.
His work off the ball is another important part of his contribution. The rojiblanco forward actively participates in the press, makes it difficult for opponents to play out from the back and puts in a significant physical effort to help recover possession or force mistakes in the opposition’s buildup. His work rate is also evident in the runs he makes to support the team’s collective play, making him an important piece both with and without the ball.
El Clásico de México also reaffirmed a characteristic Marín has developed in the Guadalajara jersey: his ability to show up on the biggest stages. With his goal against América, the forward reached 5 goals in Clásicos with Chivas: 3 against Atlas and 2 against América. Of the latter, one came in Liga MX and the other in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
To top it all off, with his 5 goals, Ricardo remains in contention for the individual scoring title, currently sitting as the runner-up, and alongside the ‘Piojo’ Alvarado, he is one of just 3 Mexican players inside the tournament’s top 10 scorers.
The Rebaño have 5 home matches and 3 away games remaining, and Ricardo Marín will look to maintain his finishing, physical presence and ability to combine with his teammates as he aims to help Chivas compete for the Liga MX title.
