The Liga MX Clausura 2026 season keeps delivering fireworks, and Friday night in Sinaloa was no exception as Chivas de Guadalajara edged Mazatlán FC 2-1 in a tense, action-packed encounter at Estadio El Kraken. With this result, Chivas secured their fifth consecutive victory, maintaining a flawless record at the top of the league and signaling their intent to remain the team to beat this season. For Mazatlán, the search for their first win continues, but they certainly made the league leaders sweat until the final whistle.
From the get-go, Chivas looked to stamp their authority on the match. Gabriel Milito’s men, full of confidence after a string of impressive wins, wasted no time imposing their rhythm. The opening minutes saw Guadalajara pushing forward relentlessly, their off-the-ball movement and quick passing unsettling the Mazatlán defense. It didn’t take long for their efforts to pay off.
In the 14th minute, Efraín Álvarez stepped up to take a free kick from the right side, just outside the box. The shot wasn’t the cleanest—deflecting off the wall—but fortune favored the bold as the ball slipped past a wrong-footed Ricardo Rodríguez and into the net. The Chivas bench erupted, and the visitors had the early advantage they craved.
Chivas didn’t let up. Just before the half-hour mark, Daniel Aguirre was brought down in the box after a tangle with Mazatlán’s Jair Díaz. The referee, after a quick VAR review, pointed to the spot. Armando González, cool as you like, dispatched the penalty with a precise strike in the 28th minute, doubling Chivas’ lead. The home crowd fell silent, while the visiting supporters sensed another big night for their team.
But Mazatlán wasn’t about to roll over. Despite their struggles this season—coming into the match with four losses and a single draw in their last five—Sergio Bueno’s side showed grit. Edgar Bárcenas, a bright spot for the hosts, nearly pulled one back with a dangerous free kick at the 55-minute mark. His curling effort soared over the wall and left Chivas goalkeeper Raúl Rangel rooted to the spot as it nestled in the back of the net. The goal injected new life into the contest and fired up the home fans, who sensed a comeback might be on the cards.
The match then descended into a classic Liga MX battle—full of drama, hard tackles, and a flurry of cards. In total, four players were sent off: Mazatlán’s Mauro Zaleta (42’), Lucas Merolla (13’), and Sebastián Santos (77’), as well as Chivas’ Daniel Aguirre (42’). Tempers flared in the 42nd minute with a scuffle between Richard Ledezma and Zaleta, leading to yellow cards and a tense atmosphere on the pitch. Both coaches were forced into tactical reshuffles, with substitutions coming thick and fast as the match wore on.
Chivas nearly put the game to bed on several occasions. At 62 minutes, Richard Ledezma danced through three defenders and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot, only to be denied by a sensational fingertip save from Ricardo Rodríguez, who was in inspired form between the posts. Efraín Álvarez also came close in the 70th minute, weaving past his marker and firing toward the near post, but Rodríguez was equal to the task once again.
For Mazatlán, the second half was about pushing forward in search of an equalizer. They made attacking substitutions, bringing on Jesús Hernández and Ángel Saavedra, and pressed high up the pitch. Jordan Sierra, who had spoken before the match about the need to be “100% on the defensive line,” worked tirelessly in midfield, but Chivas’ defense—marshaled by Luis Romo and José Castillo—held firm.
The closing stages were frantic. With the clock winding down, Mazatlán threw everything forward. Chivas, meanwhile, looked to hit on the counter, with Ángel Sepúlveda and Miguel Tapias coming on to shore up the defense after injuries and fatigue set in. Six minutes of stoppage time were added, and the tension was palpable as both teams desperately sought the decisive goal. “Chivas finished the match hanging on for dear life, Mazatlán came very close to equalizing and adding a very important point for their team,” reported VAVEL during their live coverage.
Ricardo Rodríguez, Mazatlán’s goalkeeper, earned high praise for his performance, making several crucial saves to keep his side in the game. “Ricardo Rodríguez is having a great game, the goalkeeper is preventing the score from getting any bigger, what a performance!” the VAVEL minute-by-minute read. But ultimately, Mazatlán’s efforts fell just short.
The final whistle brought relief for Chivas and frustration for Mazatlán. For Guadalajara, the victory means five wins from five matches and a commanding lead atop the Clausura 2026 standings with 15 points. Head coach Gabriel Milito, speaking after a previous win, had emphasized the importance of a strong start: “The goal is always to win and get as many points as possible from the start. We have to adapt to different circumstances, like in this match.” The team’s defensive solidity and ability to manage tense moments have been key to their streak.
For Mazatlán, the story remains one of missed opportunities and a continued search for that elusive first win. Jordan Sierra, before the match, had said, “Playing against [Chivas] is always special, but to defeat Chivas, we have to give 100% on the defensive line because that’s how we can secure an important victory.” Despite a spirited effort, Mazatlán’s wait continues.
The match was broadcast widely, with fans in Mexico able to watch on Azteca 7, FOX, and FOX ONE, while viewers in the United States followed the action via VIX Premium and TUDN. Kickoff times varied by region, but the excitement was universal as supporters tuned in from across the Americas.
Looking ahead, Chivas will host their archrivals América at Estadio AKRON on Saturday, February 14, for Matchday 9—a fixture that always promises drama and could have major implications for the title race. For Mazatlán, the challenge is to regroup and find a way to turn performances into points as the season heats up.
Friday night’s clash at El Kraken had it all: early goals, late drama, stunning saves, and a reminder that in Liga MX, nothing comes easy. Chivas march on unbeaten, while Mazatlán are left to ponder what might have been and look for answers as the campaign continues.