Necaxa vs Guadalajara: The Battle of Aguascalientes in Clausura 2026
Football in Mexico isn't just a sport; it's a religious experience where the liturgy is written in sweat and the cathedrals are stadiums. The latest chapter of this saga features Club Necaxa and CD Guadalajara (affectionately known as Chivas). As we stand in April 2026, the stakes couldn't be more polarized. One team is fighting for its postseason life, while the other is looking to solidify its throne at the top of the Liga MX table.
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Match Report: The April 23 Stalemate
In a packed Estadio Victoria this morning, the clash between "Los Rayos" and "El Rebaño Sagrado" ended in a tactical 0-0 draw. While a scoreless draw might sound like a snooze-fest to the casual observer, the data tells a story of defensive mastery and missed opportunities. Chivas, coached by Gabriel Milito, controlled roughly 62% of the ball, but Necaxa's low block proved to be an impenetrable fortress.
The atmosphere at Estadio Victoria remained electric despite the lack of goals.
Necaxa’s goalkeeper, Ezequiel Unsain, was undoubtedly the Man of the Match. He denied two clear-cut chances from Chivas' rising star Armando González, who currently leads the league's scoring charts. For Necaxa, this point is a lifeline; for Guadalajara, it’s a minor speed bump on their road to the Liguilla.
Liga MX 2026 Standings: The Power Gap
The 2026 Clausura season has been a tale of two cities. Guadalajara has dominated the landscape, while Necaxa has struggled with consistency, hovering around the play-in threshold.
| Pos | Team | Played | Points | W-D-L | Goal Diff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guadalajara (Chivas) | 16 | 35 | 11-2-3 | +16 |
| 2 | UNAM Pumas | 16 | 33 | 9-6-1 | +15 |
| 12 | Monterrey | 16 | 18 | 5-3-8 | +1 |
| 13 | Necaxa | 16 | 18 | 5-3-8 | -3 |
Tactical Breakdown: Milito vs. Varini
Tactically, this match was a clash of philosophies. Gabriel Milito’s Chivas utilized a 3-4-2-1 formation, aiming to create overloads on the wings. They heavily relied on Bryan González to provide service from the wide areas. In contrast, Martin Varini opted for a disciplined 4-4-2, focusing on closing the central corridors.
The "Logic" behind Necaxa's approach was simple: survive. By keeping the lines tight, they forced Chivas into long-range shots. According to Opta-style metrics, Chivas had 12 attempts, but only 3 were truly dangerous. This is a classic case study in how a perceived "weaker" team can neutralize a giant through structural integrity.
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Head-to-Head: History and Patterns
Historically, Guadalajara has been the "Boogeyman" for Necaxa. In their last 10 meetings, Chivas has walked away with 7 victories, leaving Necaxa with just 2. Interestingly, their encounters rarely end in draws—until today. The last time these two played at the Estadio Akron in September 2025, Chivas secured a convincing 3-1 win.
- Over 2.5 Goals: 4 of the last 5 matches before today saw high-scoring results.
- Home Advantage: Necaxa has only beaten Chivas twice at the Victoria since 2021.
FAQ: Viewing Guide and Team News
Where can I watch Necaxa vs Guadalajara in the USA?
The match was broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, TUDN, and Fubo. For digital streaming, Paramount+ and ViX remain the primary homes for Liga MX in 2026.
Who were the key missing players?
Necaxa was missing their star striker Julian Carranza due to a leg injury. Chivas also faced depth issues, with Angel Sepulveda and Omar Govea sidelined with muscle fatigue.
What is the next game for Chivas?
Chivas will close the regular season next week as they prepare for the Quarter-Finals, where they are currently the favorites to lift the trophy.
Conclusion: While Necaxa didn't get the win they desperately needed to climb into the top 10, they proved they could hang with the league leaders. For Guadalajara, the focus remains on the "Big Picture"—the title. In a league as volatile as Liga MX, a 0-0 draw in Aguascalientes is just a minor ripple in a very large pond.
