Atlético San Luis secured a much-needed victory over Chivas Guadalajara on February 26, 2025, at the Estadio Alfonso Lastras, with a final score of 3-1. The match was part of the Clausura 2025, and it showcased the potential resurgence of Atlético San Luis, who have struggled at the bottom of the league table.
The game kicked off with both teams eager to capitalize on recent performances. San Luis aimed to climb out of the relegation zone, and with the home crowd on their side, they took the initiative early on. The first half concluded scoreless, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. Chivas, enjoying a win against Pachuca previous to this match, aimed to build momentum but found it challenging against San Luis's defensive setup. Despite some attempts from Chivas, including close efforts from Alan Pulido and Hugo Camberos, the half ended without any goals.
It was not until the second half when the scoring started. At the 50th minute, Sébastien Salles-Lamonge put Atlético San Luis on the board, giving them the first lead of the match. Only six minutes later, Vitinho, showcasing his talent, doubled the lead with a spectacular goal, making it 2-0 and leaving Chivas gasping for answers.
San Luis continued to press their advantage, and by the 73rd minute, Léo Bonatini made it 3-0, seemingly securing the victory for the home side. The Atlético players, visibly confident, began to manage the game, demonstrating both awareness and determination to hold on to their advantage.
Despite the mounting pressure, Chivas finally found their stride and managed to score one back when Javier Hernández, who came on as a substitute, found the net, reducing the deficit to 3-1. His goal was not just significant on the scoreboard, but also symbolically important, as he celebrated by silencing San Luis’s raucous supporters.
Chivas had hoped the goal would spark a comeback opportunity, but time was not on their side. The final whistle blew with Atlético San Luis firmly basking in their victory. This win allowed them to climb out of the last position on the table, instilling hope for their supporters after months of discontent.
On the other hand, with this loss, Chivas remained mired at the bottom of the playoff contention, leaving them with deep concerns about their chances to qualify for the playoffs. Despite having recent success, their history at Estadio Alfonso Lastras, including only one win since 2019, loomed large as they faced criticism for failing to meet expectations.
With Atlético San Luis now eyeing continued success, their next challenge is against Atlas as they aim to maintain momentum. Chivas, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly for their upcoming encounter against Pumas, knowing they desperately need points to stay relevant as the season progresses.
This clash highlighted the dramatic ebbs and flows of the Liga MX, where fortunes can change swiftly. Atlético San Luis’s players celebrated passionately, relishing the triumph as they flipped scripts from their previous struggles, eager to build on this newfound momentum. On the flip side, the pressure continues to mount on Chivas to deliver results as they strive to restore their place at the top.