The Rojiblanca Academy officially got its Apertura 2026 campaign underway! Guadalajara’s U-21 and U-19 teams made their season debut on Saturday against Toluca, with both matches played on Field 1 at Verde Valle. While the U-19s opened the tournament with a victory to earn their first three points, the U-21s drew in regulation before falling in the penalty shootout for the extra point.
U-19
Coached by Alberto Ascencio, Guadalajara’s U-19 side got off to the perfect start in the Apertura 2026 with a 1-0 victory over Toluca.
The winning goal came just before halftime, as Gerson Gutiérrez found the back of the net in the 44th minute to put the Rojiblancos in front.
In the second half, Guadalajara held onto its lead until the final whistle to secure its first three points of the tournament.
U-21
Meanwhile, Luis Arce’s side opened its Apertura 2026 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Toluca. Guadalajara showed plenty of character in its debut, reclaiming the lead twice before the visitors equalized and sent the extra point to a penalty shootout.
Anwar Ben Rhouma opened the scoring for Guadalajara in the 19th minute. Toluca equalized two minutes later, but Leonel Calderón restored the lead for the Rojiblancos in the 54th minute. The visitors found the equalizer once again in the 64th minute, forcing the extra point to be decided from the penalty spot.
After the draw in regulation, Guadalajara fell 3-1 in the penalty shootout.
