The 2025 Apertura made clear what Guadalajara's competitive spirit will be under Gabriel Milito. From the reinforcements who arrived to make an immediate difference to the low-profile players who took advantage of every opportunity to shine, the Rebaño Sagrado found true revelations in several of its players who drove the team forward at decisive moments.
For this reason, today we will discuss five extremely important aspects for Chivas throughout the tournament, which undoubtedly paint an interesting picture of what may lie ahead for the team in the 2026 Clausura.
1. The birth of a "killer" in the box
One of the players who was most talked about throughout the tournament, not only in Guadalajara but also in Liga MX, was Armando González. The 22-year-old striker knew how to take advantage of his opportunities and, even though he started the tournament as a substitute, he earned a place in the starting 11 and left something that no one will forget: he was the top scorer with 12 goals.
His extraordinary growth and contribution not only helped him make his mark at Guadalajara, but also earned him his first call-up to the senior national team and a place on the list of possible strikers for the national team during the 2026 World Cup.
Armando González's numbers in the AP25
Games played: 18
Starts: 14
Minutes played: 1,189
Goals: 12
Assists: 1
2. Immediate impact reinforcements
Four players joined Guadalajara for the 2025 season: Efraín Álvarez, Bryan González, Richard Ledezma, and Diego Campillo. None of them disappointed given the high standards required to wear this shirt, as they all earned a place in Gabriel Milito's starting lineup, making it clear that their arrival at the Rebaño Sagrado was a great success.
El Cotorro was one of the best players in the tournament and took over the Rojiblanco left wing. In total, he played in all 19 of Guadalajara's games as a starter and racked up 1,597 minutes, in which he scored three goals and provided one assist.
Then there is Diego Campillo, a player who came up through the Rebaño youth system and returned after spending a few tournaments with Bravos de Juárez. He was used as a center back, right back, and also as a midfielder, which proved his tremendous value to Gabriel Milito. In total, Campillo played in 15 games, in which he played 1,145 minutes and scored one goal.
Richard Ledezma was another player who made a strong impression and showed the extraordinary quality that led him to experience magical nights in the Champions League. He played as a wing-back on the right and also in the center, as he is a complete footballer: he played 17 games, racked up 961 minutes, and provided 6 assists.
Efraín Álvarez was one of Chivas' offensive pillars in the AP25, playing as a left midfielder and perhaps the main architect of the Rojiblanco attack, relying on his great left foot and vision. He played all 19 games of the tournament, totaling 1,180 minutes, in which he scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists.
3. Extraordinary debuts in AP25
Two players from the Rojiblanco youth academy joined the squad: Santiago Sandoval and Samir Inda. Both made their debuts in the current tournament and made a big impression, each in their own way.
'Santi' played in 18 games in the tournament, accumulating 932 minutes. He played as an attacking midfielder and brought dynamism between the lines for the Rebaño Sagrado, as well as scoring two goals. On the other hand, there is Samir, who only played six minutes on his first division debut, but that was enough time for him to score a great goal and seal a dream debut in Liga MX.
4. The emergence of Aguirre and Govea
Two of the elements that helped shape Gabriel Milito's playing style were undoubtedly Omar Govea and Daniel Aguirre, who had not had much playing time and took on a leading role in the Guadalajara team this season.
Daniel Aguirre is a midfielder by training, but the Argentine coach saw in him the qualities to be part of the defensive line. His contributions to the attack from central defense and his ability to generate ball movement helped him establish himself at Guadalajara. The Rojiblanco number 23 played in 12 games and logged 734 minutes, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Omar Govea was another player who also earned Milito's trust, acting as the midfield timer and someone who drove the Rebaño's possession. In total, he played in 13 games and logged 1,026 minutes, scoring 1 goal.
5. Raúl Rangel, a guarantee in the Rojiblanco goal
Another player who has grown exponentially is Raúl Rangel. El 'Tala' has demonstrated his evolution in every game in all aspects of his play, both in his outstanding footwork and in his aerial saves and saves between the posts. The goalkeeper, who came up through the Rojiblanco youth system, had such an outstanding tournament that he continues to be one of 'El Vasco' Aguirre's most trusted players.
During the 2025 Apertura, Rangel played in all 19 possible games and racked up 1,710 minutes. He was one of the key players for Guadalajara, not only leading the team in ball distribution, but also stepping up when needed, providing a guarantee at the back for a team as aggressive with the ball as the Rebaño Sagrado.
