Chivas Travels to Puebla for a Big Away Match: Everything You Need to Know

What’s Happening?

Imagine your favorite soccer team packing their bags for a road trip. That’s exactly what Chivas (one of Mexico’s most popular teams) just did! They’ve arrived in Puebla to play their first away game of the Apertura 2026 tournament against the home team, Puebla (nicknamed La Franja).

The match will be at the famous Estadio Cuauhtémoc, and it’s going to be loud—thousands of Chivas fans (called the República Rojiblanca) are expected to paint the stadium red and white.

Why This Match Matters

This isn’t just any game. Here’s why everyone is watching:

1. Three Huge Points: A win gives Chivas 3 points to climb up the league table.
2. Confidence Boost: They want to feel great heading into a break in the Liga MX schedule.
3. Prep for Leagues Cup: Right after the break, the Leagues Cup starts (a big tournament against teams from the USA and Canada). Momentum now means success later.

IMPORTANT POINT
Away games are tough! Playing in the opponent’s stadium means hostile crowds and unfamiliar grass. Getting a win here shows the team is truly strong.

The Coach’s Plan: 21 Players Called Up

Head Coach Gabriel Milito picked a squad of 21 players for this mission. Think of this like a teacher picking the best group for a field trip—he needs a perfect mix of defense, midfield control, and goal-scoring power.

Key Player Returns: Ángel Sepúlveda

The biggest headline? Ángel Sepúlveda is back!

He missed the last game because of a suspension (a timeout given by the league for breaking a rule). Now that he’s served his one-game ban, he’s eligible to play again. Having a proven goal-scorer like him available is a massive plus for Coach Milito.

Full List of Players Traveling (The "Convocados")

Here are the 21 players who made the cut. We’ve grouped them by their usual positions to make it easy to follow:

Goalkeepers (The Last Line of Defense)

• Raúl Rangel
• Oscar Whalley

Defenders (The Wall)

• José Castillo
• Diego Campillo
• Bryan González
• Rubén González

Midfielders (The Engine Room)

• Omar Govea
• Luis Romo
• Brian Gutiérrez
• Richard Ledezma
• Efraín Álvarez
• Luis Rey
• Kevin Castañeda
• Daniel Aguirre
• Miguel Gómez

Forwards / Attackers (The Goal Getters)

• Ángel Sepúlveda (Returning from suspension)
• Ricardo Marín
• Jonathan Pérez
• Roberto Alvarado
• Jordan Carrillo
• Armando González

What Happens Next?

1. Match Day: Chivas vs. Puebla at Estadio Cuauhtémoc.
2. The Break: Liga MX pauses for a few weeks.
3. Leagues Cup: Chivas jumps into the international tournament against MLS teams.

Summary

• Chivas is in Puebla for Matchday 3 of Apertura 2026.
• They need a win (3 points) to climb the table and build confidence.
• Coach Gabriel Milito selected 21 players.
• Star striker Ángel Sepúlveda returns after serving a suspension.
• The game is a crucial stepping stone before the Leagues Cup.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the "Apertura 2026"?

The Mexican soccer season is split into two short tournaments: Apertura (Opening, played July–December) and Clausura (Closing, played January–May). Each has its own champion. This is the start of the Apertura 2026.

2. Why was Ángel Sepúlveda suspended?

Players get suspended usually for accumulating too many yellow cards (warnings) or getting a red card (ejection) in a previous game. He missed one game as punishment and is now cleared to play.

3. What is the "República Rojiblanca"?

It’s the nickname for Chivas’ massive fanbase. "Rojiblanco" means Red-and-White (the team colors). They travel in huge numbers to away games, often making the stadium feel like a home game for Chivas.

4. What is the Leagues Cup?

It’s an annual tournament where all teams from Liga MX (Mexico) and MLS (USA/Canada) compete against each other. It happens in the middle of the season, so the regular league pauses for it.

5. Why only 21 players? Don’t they have more?

Teams have large rosters (often 25–30+ players), but league rules usually limit the matchday squad (players eligible for a specific game) to around 18–23. The other players stay behind to train or recover from injuries.