If you’re looking at the upcoming Puebla FC contra Chivas match and thinking it’s just another routine Liga MX fixture, you’re kinda missing the point. Most people look at the table, see the historical gap between the "Rebaño Sagrado" and the "Camoteros," and assume the result is a foregone conclusion. They’re usually wrong.
Honestly, this matchup is one of the weirdest tactical puzzles in Mexican football. Chivas brings the weight of millions of fans and that famous "only Mexican players" tradition. Puebla? They bring a chip on their shoulder and a stadium, the Cuauhtémoc, that feels like a literal fortress when the wind starts blowing through those open corners.
The Current State of Play
Right now, in the 2026 Clausura season, the stakes are surprisingly high. As of January 2026, Chivas is sitting near the top of the table—currently ranked 2nd—while Puebla is hovering around 10th. It’s the classic David vs. Goliath setup, but if you’ve watched these teams over the last year, you know the gap is paper-thin on the pitch.
The last time these two met in the 2025 Apertura, Chivas walked away with a 2-0 win on Puebla’s turf. Bryan González and Omar Govea silenced the crowd within the first fifteen minutes. It was clinical. It was efficient. But it wasn't the whole story. Puebla dominated possession for the remaining 75 minutes, knocking on the door until their knuckles bled, but they just couldn't find the back of the net.
Why the "Big Team" Label is a Trap
Chivas is a giant. We get it. But being a giant means everyone wants to be the one to knock you over. Under Gabriel Milito, Chivas has developed a much more aggressive, high-pressing identity. They don't just wait for you to mess up anymore; they force the error.
Puebla, meanwhile, is in a bit of a transition. They aren't the same team that was topping the charts a few seasons ago, but players like Emiliano Gómez and the veteran Lucas Cavallini still make them dangerous. Cavallini is 33 now, but he’s still that bruising presence in the box that makes center-backs like Gilberto Sepúlveda lose sleep.
Tactical Breakdown: How the Matchup Actually Works
When Puebla FC contra Chivas kicks off, keep an eye on the midfield. That's where the game is won or lost.
- The Chivas Engine: Luis Romo and Érick Gutiérrez are the heartbeat. They control the tempo. If they have time to turn and look up, Puebla is in trouble.
- Puebla’s Defensive Block: Usually, Puebla sets up in a 4-4-2 or a 5-3-2 when they’re feeling defensive. They try to funnel Chivas into the wide areas, hoping their fullbacks can handle the speed of Cade Cowell or Roberto "Piojo" Alvarado.
- The Counter-Punch: Puebla relies heavily on quick transitions. They want to win the ball, find Kevin Velasco or Brayan Garnica on the wings, and whip crosses in before Chivas can set their line.
It's a game of cat and mouse. Chivas wants the ball; Puebla wants the space behind the ball.
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Historical Context You Can't Ignore
You've probably heard that Chivas dominates the head-to-head. Technically, that’s true. In the history of short tournaments, Guadalajara has won about 20 times to Puebla’s 12, with a massive 21 draws.
That high number of draws tells you everything.
This isn't a rivalry defined by blowouts (though Chivas did win 4-0 back in 2008). It’s a rivalry defined by frustration. Puebla is the ultimate "banana peel" team. They are experts at making big teams look ordinary. I remember a chilly night at the Cuauhtémoc—the floodlights were hummin', the fans were screaming—and Chivas just couldn't complete a ten-yard pass. The atmosphere gets into your head.
The Santiago Ormeño Factor
It’s always worth mentioning the players who have crossed the divide. Santiago Ormeño is the big one lately. He’s played for both, and he embodies that weird middle ground between the two clubs. When you’ve worn both jerseys, you understand that the pressure in Guadalajara is about "winning everything," while the pressure in Puebla is about "proving everyone wrong."
What to Expect for the Next Clash
The next scheduled meeting is set for April 18, 2026, at Estadio Akron. If you’re planning on going, tickets are already floating around the $26 to $100 range depending on how close you want to be to the action.
Basically, Chivas will be the heavy favorites playing at home. But keep an eye on the injury report. Chivas just got Diego Campillo back from a foot injury, which is huge for their defensive depth. Puebla needs their captain, Nicolás Díaz, to be at 100% if they want to survive the onslaught.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
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- Watch the First 15: Chivas has a habit of scoring early in this specific matchup. If Puebla survives the first quarter-hour, the odds of a draw skyrocket.
- The "Under" Trend: Historically, these games aren't usually goal-fests. Four of the last five meetings have stayed under 2.5 goals.
- Home Field vs. Altitude: While the Akron is loud, the altitude and wind in Puebla often play a bigger role when the game is at the Cuauhtémoc. For the April game in Zapopan, expect a faster, slicker surface.
- Follow the "Piojo": Roberto Alvarado is the x-factor. If he’s drifting inside and finding pockets of space, Puebla’s backline will crumble. If Puebla can man-mark him out of the game, they have a fighting chance.
Don't just look at the logos on the jerseys. Look at the form. Chivas is chasing a top-seed finish for the playoffs, and Puebla is fighting for their life to stay in the play-in spots. That desperation usually makes for a much better game than the "expert" predictions suggest.
To get the most out of the next match, check the official Liga MX app roughly 60 minutes before kickoff for the confirmed starting XIs, as Gabriel Milito has been known to throw tactical curveballs with his wingback selections.