The match for the pride of the Perla de Occidente awaits us this Saturday at Estadio Jalisco, which will once again be painted Rojiblanco for another edition of the Clásico Tapatío. While the standings show that both teams arrive in a similar situation in terms of points, the reality is that Chivas have historically had the upper hand, both on the field and in the stands.
It goes without saying that these matches are played differently, leaving every last drop of sweat on every play, and it always helps to have an advantage in your favor. And Guadalajara certainly have one: both Ángel Sepúlveda and Ricardo Marín have developed a particular knack for scoring against their city neighbors, creating fond memories for the Nación Rojiblanca.
Experience and Natural Instinct, ‘Sepugol’s’ Strengths
Ángel Sepúlveda’s most recent performances against the Nextipac side have been marked by goals. In the most recent edition of the Clásico Tapatío, precisely at Estadio Jalisco, he sealed the Rojiblanco victory with a 2-1 scoreline from the penalty spot.
If we go further back, we find his hat trick on Matchday 2 of the Apertura 2025, when he was wearing the Cruz Azul jersey. And it was no coincidence, as he displayed excellent reading of the game, intelligent movement off the ball and pure clinical finishing.
In addition, he scored another goal in the Clausura 2025, confirming that he knows how to find gaps in the Rojinegros’ defense. Sepúlveda is a striker who understands when to attack the near post, when to delay his movement and how to position himself inside the box. In tight matches, his ability to anticipate plays and his composure in front of goal can tip the scales.
‘4K’ and His Habit of Scoring Against Atlas
Ricardo Marín has built his impact against his city neighbors through consistency. 4 goals and 1 assist in his last 6 Clásicos Tapatíos are not the product of a single inspired night, but rather of sustained consistency.
Marín stands out for his movement outside the box and his ability to combine with teammates before entering the danger area. He knows how to play with his back to goal, lay the ball off and attack the second ball. That versatility makes him an uncomfortable striker for any defense. In these types of matches, where the pace is usually high and spaces open up during transitions, his ability to read and attack open space can be decisive.
