Mazatlán vs Guadalajara: Chivas survive late push to win 2–1

Guadalajara kept its perfect start to the Clausura intact late Friday night, holding off a spirited second-half rally from Mazatlán to win 2–1 and remain alone at the top of the Liga MX table. The result extended Chivas’ winning streak to five straight while leaving Mazatlán still searching for its first point of the tournament.

The game turned into a tale of two halves: Chivas controlled the opening 45 minutes and built a two-goal cushion, then spent much of the second half absorbing pressure after Mazatlán pulled one back.

Match recap: early control, late danger

Chivas struck first in the 15th minute when Efraín Álvarez opened the scoring. The visitors doubled the lead before halftime as Armando González converted a penalty in the 29th minute, putting Mazatlán in a deep hole.

Mazatlán responded after the break with greater energy and a higher press, finally getting a lifeline in the 56th minute when Édgar Bárcenas cut the deficit to 2–1. From there, the home side pushed for an equalizer, forcing Chivas into a defensive posture and turning the closing stages into a test of composure rather than chance creation.

Chivas ultimately managed the final minutes well enough to see out the win, though the second-half drop-off raised questions about game management once the team is under sustained pressure.

Key numbers and scorers

What it means for the Clausura standings

Five matches in, Chivas has built early separation. The club is 5–0–0 (15 points), a start that not only boosts confidence but also gives tactical flexibility—rotation options, measured risk in tough away fixtures, and the ability to protect leads without panicking about dropping a point.

For Mazatlán, the situation is stark: 0–0–5 (0 points). Even in a league where short runs can change narratives quickly, the margin for error is narrowing. The second-half push showed fight, but the opening-half concession pattern remains the bigger problem: chasing games is exhausting in a tournament where schedules can compress and travel can pile up.

Chivas’ bright spots — and the warning signs

The first half looked like a team that knows what it wants: calm ball circulation, purposeful movement into the final third, and the patience to force mistakes. Álvarez’ early goal and González’s penalty gave Chivas exactly the platform it needed.

But the second half offered a warning. After conceding, Chivas struggled to reassert control, and the game tilted toward box defense and game-state management. That approach can work, but it leaves little room for errors—one deflection, one set-piece breakdown, one missed clearance—and the match changes instantly.

A more sustainable path for a title contender is to keep the ball better after the interval, slow the tempo, and create a few release-valve chances that prevent the opponent from piling up attacks.

Injury concerns ahead of the next test

The win came with a potential cost. Chivas dealt with injury issues involving Luis Romo and José Castillo, with Romo’s situation drawing particular attention because of his importance in midfield balance and game control. The immediate impact is uncertainty heading into the next high-profile fixture.

Chivas’ upcoming schedule includes a marquee rivalry match against Club América on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 (ET). If key starters are limited or unavailable, it could force tactical adjustments—either a more conservative midfield or altered pressing triggers—to compensate for missing leadership and ball-winning.

What’s next for Mazatlán vs. Guadalajara storylines

For Mazatlán, the clearest positive is that the team didn’t fold after halftime. The next step is turning that energy into earlier urgency—starting games with the intensity shown after the break and avoiding the two-goal deficits that make points feel out of reach.

For Chivas, the storyline is control. The club has the results, but the next phase is proving it can manage games from winning positions without inviting extended pressure. That’s the difference between a fast start and a championship run, especially as the schedule brings tougher opponents and higher-stakes moments.

Sources consulted: ESPN, Sofascore, Yahoo Sports, Chivas official club site