True Liga MX title contenders? Chivas must solve major problem in playoffs
Although Chivas lead the Clausura 2026 regular-season table, Los Rojiblancos have a major headache as they gear up for the playoffs.
Chivas are enjoying a remarkable run in the Clausura 2026, sitting atop the Liga MX table with 31 points after 14 matches. The Guadalajara side has firmly established itself as one of the tournament’s protagonists, built on a level of consistency that has set it apart from the rest of the field.
Gabriel Milito’s men boast eye-catching figures: 10 wins, one draw, and just three losses, along with 28 goals scored and 17 conceded. Those numbers paint the picture of a well-balanced team, effective in attack and largely reliable at the back.
Thanks to these results, Chivas have emerged as one of the leading title contenders, fueling genuine optimism among their supporters as the championship enters its decisive stretch.
Struggles against direct rivals
However, the picture is not entirely rosy. Chivas have come up short in the most demanding fixtures, particularly against fellow contenders near the top of the table. That trend has raised legitimate questions about their true level heading into the Clausura 2026 playoffs.
Of the five teams directly behind them - Cruz Azul, Pachuca, Pumas, Toluca and Tigres - Guadalajara have managed to defeat only one. Their lone victory came against Pachuca, a solid 2-0 win over Los Tuzos.
By contrast, Los Rojiblancos fell 2-1 to Cruz Azul, settled for a 2-2 draw against Pumas, were beaten 2-0 by Toluca, and suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Tigres. Those results underscore an unresolved issue against direct rivals - an area Chivas must address if they hope to truly establish themselves as championship contenders when it matters most.
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