Chivas start Apertura 2023 on the right foot; Padilla scores winner in debut
Matchday 1 in Liga MX concluded with an entertaining 2-1 road victory for Guadalajara. Debutante Yael Padilla scored the winner for the Chivas – with a lovely assist from skipper Víctor Guzmán – in minute 81.
The Chivas – last season’s losing finalist – made clear it has intentions of chasing the hardware again, unlike the other top Liga MX contenders who stumbled on Opening Night: América (loss), Tigres (draw), Monterrey (draw) and Toluca (draw).
In addition to the 17-year-old Padilla, Chivas coach Veljko Paunovic gave two other youngsters their Liga MX debut – Raúl Martínez, 20, and Juan Brigido, 21.
Recently crowned Concacaf champions León had plenty of chances to equalize, if not claim all 3 points. The Esmeraldas had 70% possession on the night and let fly with 28 shots, eight of which were on target. Unfortunately for “La Fiera,” Miguel Jiménez was in position to make seven saves.
Liga MX transactions
To illustrate Guadalajara’s desire to claim its 13th Liga MX trophy, Erick Gutiérrez – a Liga MX champion with Pachuca back in 2016 – was unveiled as the newest member of “El Rebaño Sagrado.”
🚨GUTI IN GUADALAJARA 🐐🇲🇽
— Fut Mex Nation (@FutMexNation) July 2, 2023
Erick Gutierrez landed in Guadalajara, MX this afternoon.
As talked about this week, the 28yo will sign with Chivas after 5 years in Netherlands with PSV 🇳🇱
Was this the right move for Guti?#LigaMXEng pic.twitter.com/gOZIkj687C
“Guti” spent the past five years in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven where he helped “The Peasants” win two league cups and two league Super Cups.
Owner Amaury Vergara is not finished yet. The Goats might soon add Sporting KC striker Alan Pulido – a Liga MX Golden Boot winner with the Chivas back in 2019.
América is not sitting still either. The Aguilas acquired Atlas dangerman Julián Quiñones over the weekend and he should slot into the front line of last season’s top-scoring team quite well. JQ signed a four-year deal with “Los Azulcremas.”
In a surprise move, FC Juárez inked Luca Martínez Dupuy, a young dual nationality striker who arrives from Argentina’s Rosario Central. Dupuy was a member of Mexico’s bronze-medal winning U-23 team at the Toulon Tournament. Dupuy, 22, had been targeted by América and Guadalajara in season’s past.
In Mexico City, UNAM revamped a back line that conceded 32 goals last season. Lisandro Magallán was brought in by fellow Argentine Antonio Mohamed after spending time with Boca Juniors and Ajax. Coach Mohamed will place the 27-year-old La Plata native alongside Brazilian stud Nathan Silva.
Next. El Tri turns in another abysmal performance. dark
The Pumas also acquired reinforcements up front, roping in Gabriel “Toro” Fernández from FC Juárez. The 29-year-old Uruguayan scored 8 goals in 47 games with the Bravos.