Chivas aims to continue its positive momentum this Friday as they face Mazatlán in a match that carries historical significance, marking the last game for the Sinaloan franchise before its expected sale to Atlante. Despite the circumstances, head coach Gabriel Milito and his staff remain focused, wary of complacency, and are preparing for the match with utmost seriousness, understanding that any lapse in concentration could be costly.
Milito has established a consistent starting eleven, having made no changes in the four matches played this tournament. Nevertheless, the player roster has seen minor adjustments, and notable inclusions ahead of the match against Mazatlán include several players who have had limited participation in earlier games.
The coach provided insights regarding Hugo Camberos, who has yet to see significant playing time. Other players, such as Miguel Tapias, have not logged any minutes in the Clausura 2026, while Camberos and Miguel Gómez have only accumulated five and 42 minutes respectively. Despite their minimal involvement, all three players have traveled with the team and will be available from the bench, although they currently seem to fall outside Milito’s primary options for the starting lineup.
Attention now turns to whether Milito will provide more opportunities for the talented Camberos, who is regarded as one of Chivas’ brightest prospects from their youth academy. Many believe he needs more playing time to fully develop his potential, especially since he has been sidelined since Milito’s arrival.
For the upcoming match against Mazatlán, the squad will almost be at full strength, with Gilberto Sepúlveda being the only player unavailable due to an ankle sprain sustained during preseason. This injury has prevented him from being considered for selection at a time when he was starting to be seen as a viable alternative by the coach.
The game against Mazatlán presents an opportunity for Chivas to solidify its standing while reflecting on the poignant transition facing the Sinaloan team. The optimism surrounding Chivas could serve as a beacon of hope as they aim to maintain their strong performance while other teams brace for significant changes.