LIGA MX
What is Chivas’ record without Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández?
Surprisingly, Chivas do not have a bad record without the former Real Madrid forward in their starting team.
The prodigal son is back at Chivas. Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández returned home to play in the Clausura 2024, after an extremely successful career both in Europe and MLS. His return to Guadalajara generated a lot of expectation among the Rojiblancos fans, but his impact has not been what one might have expected.
Although Chicharito’s performances have been going from strength to strength after arriving injured, it is a certainly true that his presence on the field has been far from what was hoped. The numbers prove this theory, as Chivas surprisingly perform better without the former Manchester United forward in the team.
Chivas record with and without Hernandez
Since the beginning of the competitive year for Chivas, until Javier saw action for the first time since his return to Mexican football (Matchday 8, February 24), the team coached by Fernando Gago had only lost twice, with three draws and six wins: it was a 54.55% winning rate that had many predicting a fantastic tournament for one of the so-called ‘big teams’ in the country.
However, once Chicharito returned to action, the scales tipped negatively for them. With a run of three painful defeats (3-0 vs. Cruz Azul, 3-0 vs. Club América and 2-1 vs. León), as well as only two wins and two goalless draws, the team’s win percentage dropped to 33.3% , as well as a considerable drop in the overall standings.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Rojiblancos found winning ways this weekend when they visited the BBVA Stadium and took the three points from Rayados: the surprise factor? Javier Hernández did not play, nor did he make the trip due to stomach problems. However, goals always come from the forward so it could be argued that his impact will eventually come and he will cement his place in the side once he is fit and firing once again.