On Matchday 4 of the Apertura 2026 tournament, the youth divisions of Guadalajara demonstrated their growing prowess by securing decisive victories against Santos Laguna. Both the U-19 and U-21 squads exhibited strong performances, earning crucial points that advanced their positions in the league standings. These triumphs highlight the promising talent within Chivas' developmental system and their potential for future success.
Guadalajara Youth Teams Dominate Santos Laguna in Strategic Away Matches
This past Sunday, August 16, 2026, the aspiring talents of Club Deportivo Guadalajara's U-19 and U-21 teams journeyed to Torreón, Mexico, where they confronted their Santos Laguna counterparts in the fourth round of the Apertura 2026 tournament. The matches, held at TSM Field 2 and TSM Field 5 respectively, were pivotal encounters that saw both Chivas youth squads emerge victorious, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
The U-19 match was a thrilling affair, with Guadalajara's young stars orchestrating a remarkable comeback to defeat Santos Laguna 3-2. Despite an early lead taken by the home team, the Chivas U-19 squad quickly found their rhythm. The pivotal moments arrived through the outstanding performance of Hendrik Castañeda, who netted a crucial brace in the 19th and 55th minutes, effectively turning the tide. Complementing Castañeda's efforts, Edgar Vargas extended the lead with a goal in the 25th minute. Although Santos managed to score their second goal in the 90th minute, Chivas expertly defended their advantage in the closing moments, securing a well-deserved victory under the guidance of Head Coach Alberto Ascencio. The Chivas U-19 lineup included Hugo Juarez, Erick Aguilar, Dilan Ruiz, Leonel Moreno, Dylan Avelar, Joseph González, Edgar Vargas, Jorge Lewis, Hendrick Castañeda, Carlos Bernal, and Aarón Correa.
Meanwhile, the Chivas U-21 team delivered a disciplined performance, clinching a 1-0 victory over Santos Laguna. The decisive moment came in the 39th minute when Anwar Ben Rhouma found the back of the net, giving Guadalajara the crucial lead. Following this breakthrough, the U-21 squad, led by Head Coach Luis Arce, maintained an unyielding defensive posture, effectively neutralizing Santos's attacks and preserving their clean sheet until the final whistle. This resolute performance earned them three significant points. The Chivas U-21 roster featured Ángel Romero, Diego Rosales, Angel Brambila, Zinedine Hernández, Emiliano Rodriguez, Raul Martinez, Jonathan Gallardo, Hugo Mata, Gerson Gutiérrez, Rigo Pinto, and Anwar Ben Rhouma.
Both victories underscore the strength and depth of the Chivas youth program, reflecting robust development and strategic coaching that are grooming the next generation of football stars. These successes on the road against a formidable opponent like Santos Laguna will undoubtedly boost the morale and standing of both teams as they continue their campaigns in the Apertura 2026 tournament.
The impressive performances of both the U-19 and U-21 Chivas teams offer an inspiring glimpse into the future of the club. Their ability to secure crucial wins, especially away from home, against a strong competitor like Santos Laguna, speaks volumes about their resilience, tactical discipline, and individual talent. For football enthusiasts and club supporters, these victories are a testament to the effective youth development strategies in place, promising a bright outlook for Guadalajara's main squad. It highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with competitive platforms to grow, ultimately strengthening the foundation of the sport.
