Santiago Sandoval's return to the Chivas setup could not have gone better. After a standout showing with the Mexico U-20 National Team at the Concacaf U-20 Championship, the rojiblanco academy product rejoined the team with the same confidence, talent, and ability to make a difference that have made him one of Guadalajara's most promising young players.
And most importantly, that return has not been limited to just positive impressions. In his 2 most recent matches, Sandoval has left a direct mark on El Rebaño's victories, proving that he is a player capable of changing the course of a game even when coming off the bench.
His return came in the closing stages of the Leagues Cup match against the Seattle Sounders. He came on as a substitute and, with only a few minutes on the field, appeared in the box to head home a goal that ultimately proved crucial in giving Chivas the win.
But if that performance was an early sign of his impact after returning from the U-20 Championship, what happened against Santos Laguna confirmed it was no fluke. On Matchday 4 of the Apertura 2026, Sandoval came on in the 53rd minute and once again needed little time to become a central figure. He was active and created dangerous situations until he won the penalty that later became the goal with which Guadalajara defeated the Guerreros 0-1.
2 matches, 2 wins, and 2 different ways of being decisive. Against Seattle, with a goal. Against Santos, through his movement, his reading of the game, and a play that ended in the decisive penalty.
#matches
And most importantly, that return has not been limited to just positive impressions. In his 2 most recent matches, Sandoval has left a direct mark on El Rebaño's victories, proving that he is a player capable of changing the course of a game even when coming off the bench.
His return came in the closing stages of the Leagues Cup match against the Seattle Sounders. He came on as a substitute and, with only a few minutes on the field, appeared in the box to head home a goal that ultimately proved crucial in giving Chivas the win.
But if that performance was an early sign of his impact after returning from the U-20 Championship, what happened against Santos Laguna confirmed it was no fluke. On Matchday 4 of the Apertura 2026, Sandoval came on in the 53rd minute and once again needed little time to become a central figure. He was active and created dangerous situations until he won the penalty that later became the goal with which Guadalajara defeated the Guerreros 0-1.
2 matches, 2 wins, and 2 different ways of being decisive. Against Seattle, with a goal. Against Santos, through his movement, his reading of the game, and a play that ended in the decisive penalty.
#matches
2 months ago
