CF Pachuca
Liga MX Apertura Week 6 Ends in Stalemate
CF Pachuca and Guadalajara Chivas fought to a gripping 1-1 draw in Liga MX Apertura Week 6, with Salomon Rondon’s 79th-minute penalty canceling out Roberto Alvarado’s blistering third-minute opener for Chivas. The Estadio Hidalgo erupted as Rondon kept his nerve from the spot, rescuing a point that felt improbable after Pachuca’s ragged start.
Guadalajara Chivas Strike Lightning First
The visitors needed just 180 seconds to silence the home crowd. Hugo Camberos’ diagonal pass sliced through Pachuca’s defense like a hot knife through butter, allowing Alvarado to thunder a first-time finish past Carlos Moreno at his near post. Chivas dominated possession (57%) in the first half, their midfield trio of Efrain Alvarez, Fernando Gonzalez, and Camberos dictating tempo while Pachuca racked up yellow cards for Oussama Idrissi (25′) and Francisco Venegas (32′).
CF Pachuca’s Second Half Resurgence
Benjamin Mora’s halftime team talk transformed Los Tuzos. They emerged with renewed aggression, outshooting Chivas 12-5 in the second period. The turning point came when substitute Alan Bautista drew a clumsy challenge in the box, VAR confirming the penalty after a tense wait. Rondon, the Venezuelan veteran, sent Raul Rangel the wrong way to level the score against the run of play.
Pachuca’s physical approach came at a cost – four yellows in total, including one for tempestuous midfielder Alberto Arroyo in stoppage time. But their 17 total shots (7 on target) reflected growing dominance, aided by Chivas manager Gabriel Milito’s curious quintuple substitution between 59′-84′ that disrupted their rhythm.
What This Result Means
For Chivas, this felt like two points dropped after their early mastery. Alvarado’s wonderstrike deserved better, but defensive lapses cost them – particularly their sudden inability to handle Pachuca’s crosses after the hour mark. Pachuca, meanwhile, showed the grit of champions, salvaging a result despite being second-best for long periods. The draw leaves both clubs in mid-table, knowing tougher tests await in the Apertura’s business end.
Key Moments
3′ ⚽ Guadalajara Chivas — R. Alvarado (assist: H. Camberos)
79′ ⚽ CF Pachuca — S. Rondon
