Santiago Sandoval could not have asked for a better return to Chivas' first-team setup. After an impressive run with the Mexico U-20 National Team at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship, the Rojiblanco academy product returned to the squad with the same confidence, talent and ability to make a difference that have made him one of Guadalajara's most promising young players.
Most importantly, his return has gone beyond simply making a good impression. In his last 2 appearances, Sandoval has directly contributed to Chivas' victories, proving that he is a player capable of changing the course of a match even when coming off the bench.
His return came in the final match of the Leagues Cup against Seattle Sounders. He came on as a substitute and, with only a few minutes on the pitch, found himself inside the box to connect with a header and score the goal that ultimately proved decisive in Chivas' victory.
But if that performance was the first glimpse of his impact after returning from the U-20 Championship, what happened against Santos Laguna confirmed that it was no coincidence. In Matchweek 4 of the Apertura 2026, Sandoval came on in the 53rd minute and once again needed very little time to become a key figure. He was active throughout his time on the pitch and created dangerous situations, eventually winning the penalty that led to the goal with which Guadalajara defeated Los Guerreros 0-1.
2 matches, 2 wins and 2 different ways of making an impact. Against Seattle, with a goal. Against Santos, through his movement, his reading of the game and an individual play that ultimately led to the decisive penalty.
#team
Most importantly, his return has gone beyond simply making a good impression. In his last 2 appearances, Sandoval has directly contributed to Chivas' victories, proving that he is a player capable of changing the course of a match even when coming off the bench.
His return came in the final match of the Leagues Cup against Seattle Sounders. He came on as a substitute and, with only a few minutes on the pitch, found himself inside the box to connect with a header and score the goal that ultimately proved decisive in Chivas' victory.
But if that performance was the first glimpse of his impact after returning from the U-20 Championship, what happened against Santos Laguna confirmed that it was no coincidence. In Matchweek 4 of the Apertura 2026, Sandoval came on in the 53rd minute and once again needed very little time to become a key figure. He was active throughout his time on the pitch and created dangerous situations, eventually winning the penalty that led to the goal with which Guadalajara defeated Los Guerreros 0-1.
2 matches, 2 wins and 2 different ways of making an impact. Against Seattle, with a goal. Against Santos, through his movement, his reading of the game and an individual play that ultimately led to the decisive penalty.
#team
2 months ago
