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The Chapala men’s team is preparing for a high-tension match this Sunday, March 15. After getting off on the wrong foot in the 2026 Jalisco Cup, the team led by Coach Isaac Saldívar is determined to turn things around when it hosts Tala at the Juan Rayo Municipal Stadium in the municipal capital of Chapala.
Despite the painful 3-0 defeat suffered on opening day during their visit to Poncitlán, the Chapala strategist remains calm. In an interview with Semanario Laguna, Saldívar assured that the score did not reflect the dynamics of the match.
“We focused on controlling the game. For me, the defeat was surprising because we maintained possession of the ball. Specific mistakes and the need to push forward ended up killing us. We have to bounce back,” said the coach.
For this match, the coaching staff is considering making tactical adjustments and has not ruled out the debut of new players. The backbone of the team rests on experienced players such as Alfonso García, Diego Cárdenas, Roberto Ochoa, Joshua, and “Morita,” in addition to Guadalajara reinforcement José María Castellanos.
However, Chapala’s real bet remains the local youth academy. Among the promising players is Santiago Gutiérrez, who, at just 15 years old, is the youngest on the squad and one of the pieces generating the greatest expectation in the locker room.
Sunday’s match is not just another game. Tala arrives with a raw wound after being eliminated by Chapala in the round of 16 of the previous edition. Unlike the home team, the visitors are on a roll after beating Tonalá 3-0 in their debut, which makes them a formidable opponent that will be looking to settle scores on Chapala’s home turf.
Chapala has historically been a strong competitor in the southeast region, reaching the final stages in previous editions. Earning points this Sunday is vital to avoid falling behind in their group’s standings, where the goal difference after the defeat in Poncitlán (3-0) will be a key factor to watch.
Translated and edited by Bruce Bernhart
