Raul Rangel Rescues Chivas in Narrow Win Over Necaxa

Chivas Guadalajara returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Necaxa at Estadio Akron on October 20, 2026, earning three points in Jornada 13 of the Liga MX Apertura. Raul Rangel delivered decisive saves before an own goal by Agustin Oliveros secured the result and lifted Gabriel Milito's team provisionally into second place with 23 points. The victory ended a difficult stretch for Guadalajara, which had gone three consecutive matches without a win through draws, according to the club's official match report.

However, the narrow scoreline and the visitors' dangerous attacks highlighted how closely the home side came to dropping more points. Roberto Alvarado created the decisive moment in the 76th minute. His cross entered the Necaxa penalty area, where Oliveros inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, giving Guadalajara the lead after sustained attacking pressure.

Chivas had threatened early through Alvarado, who tested goalkeeper Javier Orantes in the opening minutes and again around the 10th minute. Orantes also denied further attempts from Alvarado and Richy Ledezma as Necaxa resisted the hosts' efforts to break the deadlock.

Rangel proved equally important at the other end, particularly during a dangerous spell for Necaxa in the second half. According to the match coverage from Marca and Chivas' official website, the goalkeeper produced a double save around the 63rd to 64th minute to prevent the visitors from taking the lead. Necaxa continued to threaten after that intervention. Kevin Castañeda came close with attempts in the 65th and 72nd minutes, while the visitors pushed for an equalizer after Oliveros' own goal.

Javier Ruiz later produced a powerful long-range effort that threatened the upper corner, but Rangel made another outstanding stop to preserve Guadalajara's advantage. His performance helped the team withstand the late pressure and finish the match with a clean sheet. The result also offered Rangel an opportunity to respond on the field after facing criticism over his errors for Mexico's national team against the United States. Marca noted that the goalkeeper had also played a decisive role in Chivas' match against Atlas, making him an important contributor in two of the team's three games since that international break.

Despite the victory, Guadalajara faced a difficult reception from its supporters, who booed the team at the final whistle, according to Marca. The outlet reported that the performance did little to ease concerns about the team's overall form, even as the three points strengthened its position in the standings. Chivas will next travel to face Monterrey at Estadio BBVA on Saturday, October 24, for Jornada 14 of the Apertura 2026. The club's published schedule also lists a home match against Atlante on October 31, followed by an away fixture against Leon on November 8.