Guadalajara's victory solidifies their position in the Apertura 2026 standings after a dominant performance against Universidad Nacional
Category: Sports
Guadalajara’s Chivas secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Pumas UNAM on September 13, 2026, at Estadio Akron, taking the top position in the Liga MX Apertura standings. The win came after a series of impressive performances, reinforcing Chivas’ status as a serious contender this season.
With this latest victory, Chivas now sits at the pinnacle of the league with 14 points from seven matches, demonstrating an unbeaten run that has captivated their home crowd. Their recent form includes a notable 3-0 win against Atlético de San Luis, which set the stage for this clash against Pumas, who entered the match in need of points to solidify their playoff aspirations.
Chivas opened the scoring early in the match, displaying their attacking prowess that has been a hallmark of their season. Ricardo Marín, who has been a standout player for Guadalajara, scored the first goal, continuing his impressive tally of four goals and two assists this season. His contributions have been instrumental in Chivas’ offensive strategy, and he was supported by Roberto Alvarado, who has created 11 chances throughout the season, making him one of the league's most effective playmakers.
The second goal came shortly after, with Ángel Sepúlveda finding the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive error from Pumas. This early two-goal lead put Pumas on the back foot, forcing them to reassess their strategy. Pumas, who had been performing well with a recent 3-1 victory over León, struggled to find their rhythm against a resolute Chivas defense.
In the second half, Chivas maintained their dominance, and Marín added a third goal, effectively sealing the match. The combination of Marín’s clinical finishing and the creative play from Alvarado and Brian Gutierrez proved too much for Pumas’ defense, which has faced challenges throughout the season.
Entering this match, Chivas had established themselves as a formidable force in Liga MX, with a record of three wins, one draw, and one loss. Their unbeaten streak since the opening matchday has generated considerable optimism among fans and analysts alike. The team’s goal differential of +6, with 12 goals scored and only six conceded, reflects a well-rounded performance on both ends of the pitch.
Pumas, on the other hand, have faced inconsistency, currently sitting seventh in the table with six points from four matches. Their recent win against León was seen as a turning point, but their inability to replicate that form against a top-tier team like Chivas raised questions about their playoff viability. Juninho, Pumas’ top scorer, matched Marín’s goal tally with four goals, but the team’s reliance on a few key players has highlighted the need for a more balanced attack.
Injuries have also plagued Pumas, with Álvaro Angulo, José Juan Macías, and Sebastián Córdova sidelined, limiting the tactical options available to coach Esteban Solari. The absence of these players has forced Pumas to rely on their remaining squad depth, which struggled to cope with Chivas’ intensity and creativity during the match.
Following this decisive victory, Chivas will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for their next match against CF America on September 19, 2026. With their current form, they are expected to remain competitive in the league and are eyeing a strong finish in the Apertura 2026 season.
Pumas, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as they face Atlas FC on the same day. The team must address their injury issues and find a way to translate their potential into consistent performances if they hope to secure a playoff spot. The upcoming matches will be a litmus test for both teams as the season progresses.
The Liga MX Apertura continues to deliver exciting matchups, and with Chivas now at the top of the table, fans can expect a thrilling race for the playoffs as the season heads into its later stages. As both teams adjust their strategies and lineups, the next few weeks will be integral in shaping the final standings.