Return of Liga MX After National Team Break
The Clausura 2026 tournament resumed following a 12-day pause for Mexico’s national team activities, with Chivas maintaining its perfect start and America undergoing a transformation.
Chivas Continues Unbeaten Streak
Chivas had a strong start with three consecutive victories against Pachuca, Bravos, and Querétaro. Despite concerns over their visit to Atlético de San Luis due to eight players’ call-ups for recent Mexico national team friendlies in Panama and Bolivia, Chivas triumphed 2-3 at the Libertad Financiera stadium (formerly Alfonso Lastras) against Atlético de San Luis. Richard Ledezma, Daniel Aguirre, and Armando ‘Hormiga’ González scored for Chivas.
Ledezma and González were part of the recent Mexico national team call-up under Javier Aguirre but fulfilled their duties in Liga MX, contributing to Chivas’ fourth consecutive win. This marks the first time since the Bicentenario 2010 season that Chivas has started a tournament with four consecutive victories. Under José Luis ‘Güero’ Real, Chivas achieved eight wins in a row, setting the best record in club history.
Gabriel Milito, Chivas’ current coach, has maintained a cautious approach to the team’s invincible streak. He emphasized focusing on continued hard work and maintaining the right mindset to pursue victories.
America’s Transformation Process
America has embarked on a transformation process, announcing the departures of Álvaro Fidalgo and Allan Saint-Maximin shortly after their 2-0 victory over Necaxa at the Ciudad de los Deportes stadium in Jornada 4.
Fidalgo, a key figure in America’s three consecutive Liga MX titles from 2023 to 2024, was sold to Real Betis of Spain for $2.3 million until 2030, while Saint-Maximin joined America in the summer for over $13 million. He played only 15 games, scoring three goals and providing two assists before leaving.
Fidalgo’s departure was emotional, with fans expressing their gratitude. Saint-Maximin’s situation remains unclear financially, as he is reportedly joining France’s Lens, but no details have been disclosed about a potential transfer fee from America.
Top 8 Standings After Jornada 4
- Chivas: 12 points, +5 goal difference.
- Cruz Azul: 9 points, +3 goal difference.
- Atlas: 9 points, +1 goal difference.
- Pumas: 8 points, +5 goal difference.
- Toluca: 8 points, +3 goal difference.
- Monterrey: 7 points, +5 goal difference.
- Tigres: 7 points, +1 goal difference.
- Xolos: 6 points, +1 goal difference.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How is Chivas performing this season? A: Chivas has maintained a perfect record with four consecutive victories, including a 2-3 win against Atlético de San Luis.
- Q: Why are America’s players leaving? A: Álvaro Fidalgo was sold to Real Betis of Spain, while Allan Saint-Maximin’s situation remains unclear financially as he is reportedly joining France’s Lens.
- Q: What are America’s current standings in the Clausura 2026? A: America is currently outside the top 8, with 9 points after Jornada 4.
