No one can doubt that Club Deportivo Guadalajara is a reference both nationally and internationally. Chivas' participation in Mexican soccer not only translates into national championships, but also into outstanding international appearances.
This Wednesday, February 7, the Rebaño Sagrado will once again begin its journey through the CONCACAF Champions Cup, seeking to replicate what it has already accomplished on a couple of occasions, and specifically in one of its most recent participations. Here we will review a little of Chivas' history in tournaments in their confederation, with their titles and outstanding roles.
How many titles does the Chiverío have in CONCACAF?
Guadalajara has taken Mexico's name to the top at the continental level on two occasions: first in 1962, and then in 2018.
-At the beginning of the 1960s, the Rebaño was forging its nickname of 'Campeonísimo' and was on its way to its fifth league title, as well as making its way to the CONCACAF competition, to face Comunicaciones of Guatemala for the North American crown. The first leg on Chapín soil was decided by the minimum, with a goal by Javier 'Cabo' Valdivia; while the second leg at the Jalisco Stadium was a resounding 5-0 win for Chivas, thanks to a hat-trick by Don 'Chava' Reyes, a brace by 'Bigotón' Jasso and another goal by Valdivia.
-By April 2018, the Chiverío was proclaimed monarch of the continent once again in front of the eyes of the Chiva Nation, this time against Toronto FC. Almost a year after winning their 12th Liga MX title, the Red-and-White experienced a heart-stopping series against the Canadian team, with a 2-1 scoreline for Los Tapatíos in the first leg played in Canada, and the same result in favor of Toronto in the second leg at the Akron Stadium. The penalty shot on the 11th penalty decided that Guadalajara would go to that year's Club World Cup as CONCACAF champions.
Other outstanding Chivas participations in Concacaf
-1963: Chivas came back to defend its crown a year later and reached the final again, this time against Racing Haïtien of Haiti.
-2007: After winning their tenth league championship, 'Chepo' De la Torre's Chivas demonstrated their soccer quality in the Concacaf tournament, where they reached the final against Pachuca. The aggregate score was 2-2, while the team from Hidalgo won the title on penalties.
