Chivas Edge Pachuca 1-0 to All but Secure Liga MX Playoff Spot

Chivas de Guadalajara pulled off a gritty 1-0 win over Pachuca on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo — a result that all but sealed their place in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 Liguilla. The victory came despite being reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute, a testament to the resilience of Chivas de Guadalajara, managed by Gabriel Milito. The lone goal, scored by midfielder Diego Lainez in the 32nd minute, proved decisive in what La Banca MX called "a direct clash for classification" — a must-win for both sides as the 17-round tournament heads into its final stretch.

Defiant Defense in the Face of Odds

After Jonathan Rodríguez was sent off for a second yellow card, Chivas didn’t retreat. They tightened, dropped deeper, and absorbed wave after wave of pressure from Pachuca, known as "los Tuzos" and managed by Jamie Lozano. The defense, anchored by veteran center-back Carlos Salcedo, blocked 17 shots — 11 on target — and cleared 14 crosses in the final 25 minutes. Goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera, 40, made four crucial saves, including a diving stop on a free kick from Alan Pulido in the 84th minute that sent the home crowd into stunned silence. "They had the numbers, the momentum, the home crowd," Milito said afterward. "But we had something they didn’t — history. And heart."

Broadcast Reach: How Fans Watched Around the World

For Mexican fans, the match was available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, which holds rights to all Chivas home games within Mexico — a deal confirmed as early as February 2025. In the U.S., Telemundo Deportes aired the game on linear TV, while streaming was handled through Peacock, where the Premium tier ($14.99/month) offers full Liga MX coverage, including replays and multi-angle highlights. International viewers outside North America accessed the match via Chivastv.mx, a platform Chivas has used since 2023 to serve its global fanbase. Alternatives included FuboTV ($84.99/month) and YouTube TV, which offered a seven-day free trial. FotMob provided live updates, stats, and odds tracking — free for iOS and Android users — as the match unfolded.

A Rivalry That Delivers Drama

Chivas and Pachuca have met 43 times in Liga MX since 2000, with 15 wins apiece and 13 draws. Their clashes are rarely dull. In 2022, Chivas won 4-3 in extra time at Estadio Jalisco after trailing 3-0. In 2023, Pachuca stunned the Rebaño Sagrado with a last-minute winner at Hidalgo. This 2025 encounter added another chapter: a win that didn’t come from flair, but grit. "This isn’t just about points," said Chivas de Corazón in their post-match analysis. "It’s about identity. When Chivas plays with 10 men and still wins, they’re not just playing football — they’re rewriting the script of what it means to be Chivas."

Standings Impact and What’s Next

With the win, Chivas jumped to 29 points in 16 games — a three-point lead over fifth-place Pachuca, who now sit at 26. Only one round remains. Even if Chivas loses their final match against Tigres UANL, they’ll still qualify for the Liguilla as long as Pachuca doesn’t win by five goals — a mathematical impossibility. "They’re in," confirmed FMF State of Mind’s Rafael Hernandez in his November 2 report. "The math is simple: they’ve done the hard part."

Pachuca, meanwhile, now needs a miracle. They must win their final match and hope for results elsewhere — including a loss by Monterrey and a draw or loss by América. Their playoff hopes, once strong, now hang by a thread.

Historical Context: Why This Win Matters

Chivas haven’t reached the Liguilla since the Clausura 2023 season. Their last title was in 2006 — the longest drought in their 105-year history. Milito, a former Barcelona and Argentina defender, has been rebuilding the team with youth and discipline. This win isn’t just about qualification — it’s validation. After years of underperformance and managerial turnover, this team is starting to look like the Chivas of old: tough, proud, and never out of a fight.

Meanwhile, Pachuca’s campaign unravels. Lozano, once praised for his tactical discipline, now faces mounting pressure. The club has won just once in their last five away games. With key midfielder Andrés Perea sidelined by injury and their top scorer, Alan Pulido, failing to convert chances, their season may end in disappointment.