Chivas facing tough run-in to Apertura 2023

Just a few weeks ago Chivas were in a rut - incapable of winning and undermined by defeats to América and Mazatlán. It wasn’t until the Clásico Tapatío win over Atlas on 7 October that the tide turned and the team was finally able to get back on course. That was followed by a 0-2 away at Puebla, and now, the Rebaño Sagrado has moved up to fifth in the standings and with a chance of securing a direct ticket to the liguilla.

Veljko Puanovic’s men are fifth on 21 points - the product of six wins, three draws and four losses. From this point on, the team needs results to avoid falling back into the repechage zone and jeopardize their dream of making the playoffs.

Guadalajara face a difficult end to the regular phase - they have games against two direct rivals in the top positions - Tigres, who are second and Pumas in fourth. Both of those games could decide where Chivas finish in the final standings.

In their other two games, against Querétaro and Cruz Azul - they start out as favorites against opponents who face an uphill battle to make the playoffs.