Guadalajara's Chivas will look to solidify their position near the top of the Liga MX Clausura standings when they host rock-bottom Santos Laguna at Estadio Akron on Friday, March 14, 2026, at 7:07 PM EST.

Chivas Ride Wave of Momentum

After nearly a month away, Chivas are back at Estadio Akron and looking to stretch their unbeaten home run to nine games. Gabriel Milito's Chivas sit third with 21 points, keeping the pressure on league leaders.

They're riding high after beating Atlas 2-1 in the Clásico Tapatío at Estadio Jalisco. That win underscored their contention for the national championship. At home, Chivas dominate possession, averaging nearly 70% in recent games.

Armando "Hormiga" González has been crucial up front with six goals this season. Tala Rangel starts in goal with Campillo, Aguirre, and Castillo in defense. The midfield is expected to include Oso González, Omar Govea, Richard Ledezma, and Bryan González, supporting Piojo Alvarado, Ángel Sepúlveda, and Hormiga González up front.

Santos Laguna's Fight for Survival

Santos Laguna, meanwhile, are in dire straits at the bottom with just five points. The Guerreros have struggled this Clausura, but they finally broke a two-year away winless streak last week by beating Xolos 2-1 in Tijuana.

It's their first win of the season, but they're still leaking goals—averaging 2.6 per game. Lucas Di Yorio's been their bright spot with four goals in seven games.

Santos Laguna's projected starting XI includes Kevin Picón, Kevin Balanta, Bruno Amione, Emmanuel Echeverría, Javier Güémez, Carlos Gruezo, Kevin Palacios, Ezequiel Bullaude, Cristian Dájome, and Lucas Di Yorio.

Head-to-Head Dominance and Injury Report

Chivas have dominated this matchup recently. In their last 10 matches, Chivas have secured four wins, four draws, and two losses against the Guerreros. At home, they're unbeaten in six straight against Santos—four wins and two draws.

Both sides are dealing with injury problems. Chivas will be without defender Alan Mozo, who is recovering from a broken leg, and Leonardo Sepúlveda, sidelined with an ankle injury. But Luis Romo could be back soon from a thigh injury.

Santos have their own injury headaches. They will be missing Anthony "Choco" Lozano due to a knee injury, along with Ramiro Sordo and Ignacio Maestro Puch, both dealing with ankle problems. These injuries won't help a team already in freefall.

Adonai Escobedo González will referee, with Karen Janett Díaz Medina and Jesús Lorenzo Soto Dávila as assistants. Luis Alfredo García Rodríguez will act as the fourth official, while Joaquín Alberto Vizcarra Armenta and Jorge Antonio Sánchez Espinoza will oversee VAR duties.

If you're heading to Estadio Akron, expect special traffic arrangements starting Saturday.