Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández has finally shaken off the goal drought that's haunted him for nearly 300 days, scoring during Chivas' 2-0 victory against Cibao on February 13, 2025, at the Estadio Akron.
After enduring almost ten months without finding the back of the net, Hernández made his presence felt early in the Concacaf Champions Cup match. He scored at the 54th minute following a slick setup from Yael Padilla, who skillfully maneuvered past his defender to deliver the perfect ball, allowing Hernández to tap it home with his left foot.
This goal came as a huge relief for Hernández, who had last scored on April 6, 2024, during the Clausura 2024 season against Puebla. Since then, injuries and underwhelming performances beset the Mexican striker, making his return to form all the more significant.
Interestingly, before scoring, Hernández had already found the net earlier in the match, but it was ruled offside after review. At the sixth minute, he had confidently put the ball past Cibao’s goalkeeper off another setup from Cade Cowell, but the goal was disallowed, leaving fans waiting even longer for his return to scoring.
The match featured Chivas taking the lead with Fernando Beltrán’s goal at the 22nd minute, setting the stage for Hernández’s eventual breakthrough. His goal solidified Chivas' dominance, establishing them firmly on course to advance with a 3-1 aggregate score.
The celebrations at Estadio Akron were palpable as fans rallied behind their star player. Chicharito embraced the moment after months under scrutiny for his lack of goals. Following his goal, coach Óscar García substituted him off at the 63rd minute, bringing on Armando González with the match almost sealed for Chivas.
Despite the euphoria from his recent success, Hernández’s future with Chivas remains uncertain. Recently, swirling rumors suggested he might eye an exit from the club, particularly as the season progresses and the return of fellow striker Alan Pulido looms large. Speculations pointed to the possibility of Hernández making the jump to Major League Soccer, with San Diego FC, who recently signed Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano, reportedly interested.
What complicates matters for Hernández is García's strategy. The coach's preference for Pulido as the starting striker could leave Hernández sidelined, making it all the more imperative for him to continue finding his rhythm on the pitch.
After three solid years of playing for Chivas, marked by ups and downs alike, Chicharito's contributions to the club have been immense, though this recent setback fueled discussions about his longevity with the team. Would he, after finally getting back on the scoresheet, look to consolidate his position or make the jump to explore new opportunities?
Regardless of what’s next, fans hope this goal marks the start of more victories for the celebrated striker, demonstrating he still has what it takes to help propel Chivas to greater heights. With each match, he has the opportunity to win over not just the fans but also silence critics who’ve followed his challenging road back toward success.
Javier Hernández's recent goal is not just about scoring; it symbolizes resilience, dedication, and the ever-changing narrative of professional sports. With every game, fans will be watching closely, eager to see if the Chicharito who dazzled them years ago will reemerge as not just a player who’s back on the scoresheet, but as the formidable presence he once was, ready to lead Chivas through challenging times.