Chicharito Returns for Chivas vs. Cruz Azul Liguilla Clash as Contract Nears End

When Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández stepped onto the pitch at the Estadio Akron in the 75th minute of Thursday’s 0-0 draw against Cruz Azul, it wasn’t just a substitution—it was a statement. The 37-year-old Mexican legend, sidelined for most of the regular season and barely seeing minutes, was brought on by Gabriel Milito, Chivas’ Argentine head coach, as a tactical gamble in the first leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 Liguilla quarterfinals. The crowd roared. The moment felt bigger than the scoreline. And for fans who’ve watched Chicharito light up World Cups and Premier League pitches, it was a reminder: legacy doesn’t retire on the bench.

Leadership Beyond the Stats

Milito didn’t pick Chicharito because he was the top scorer—he wasn’t. He didn’t pick him because he was in peak form—he hadn’t played more than nine minutes in three straight matches. He picked him because, as Milito told SoyFutbol.com in early November, “Es nuestro líder... Su energía positiva y su compromiso son invaluables.” That’s not just coach-speak. It’s the kind of truth you only hear when a team’s locker room is on the edge. Chivas finished sixth in the regular season with 26 points, a solid but unspectacular run after a shaky start. Yet behind the scenes, Chicharito’s presence kept morale high. He mentored young attackers like Efraín Álvarez and Richard Ledezma. He stayed late after training. He showed up to meetings—even when he knew he wouldn’t start.

The Tactical Gamble

The 0-0 draw in Guadalajara wasn’t a failure—it was a survival. Chivas needed to keep Cruz Azul, known as La Máquina, at bay. With the team’s primary striker, Armando 'Hormiga' González, sidelined by an abductor injury after 68 minutes, Milito had no choice but to turn to experience. At 75’, he swapped out the tiring Ledezma and Álvarez for Chicharito and Miguel Gómez. The move wasn’t about pace or power. It was about composure. Chicharito’s first touch? Clean. His movement? Sharp. He drew a foul in the box. He forced a last-ditch clearance. He didn’t score—but he created tension. That’s what playoff football demands.

Who’s Missing? The Unexplained Absences

The squad was thinner than expected. Two key names were absent: Alan Pulido and Cade Cowell. Neither trained with the team at the hotel ahead of the match, and Chivas offered no explanation. Meanwhile, injuries ruled out Diego Campillo, Miguel Tapias, and Leonardo Sepúlveda. The lack of transparency around Pulido and Cowell’s absence sparked speculation. Was it tactical? Disciplinary? A rotation strategy? No one said. But with Chicharito back in the fold, the message was clear: this team is counting on its veterans.

The Contract Clock Is Ticking

Here’s the twist: Chicharito’s contract expires when Chivas’ Liguilla run ends. ESPN Deportes confirmed it on matchday: “Su contrato expira al finalizar la participación de Chivas en este certamen.” That means if Chivas loses in the quarterfinals, he’s gone. If they reach the final, he’s still under contract—just barely. This isn’t just about one game. It’s about legacy. Is this his final bow in the red and white? Will he play in the second leg? Will he start? Or is Milito saving him for a potential 120-minute battle in the final if they get there? The stakes are higher than the standings suggest.

What Comes Next?

The second leg is Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Cruz Azul’s Estadio Azul in Mexico City. Chivas must win. A draw sends them out. A loss? Done. And with Hormiga’s injury status uncertain, Milito may have no choice but to start Chicharito. That would be a seismic shift. The striker hasn’t started a match since September. But in the playoffs, you play who you trust—not who’s freshest. If Chicharito starts, it won’t be a nod to nostalgia. It’ll be a declaration: this team believes he can still change the game.

Historical Context: Chicharito in the Liguilla

This isn’t Chicharito’s first playoff moment. Back in 2011, he led Chivas to the Liga MX final, scoring crucial goals in the Liguilla. He was 23 then—fast, lethal, the face of a generation. Now, at 37, he’s the elder statesman. But the game hasn’t changed. Playoff football still rewards instinct, intelligence, and ice in the veins. He’s seen it all. He’s played in World Cups, Champions Leagues, and MLS Cup finals. He knows what’s at stake. And he’s not done yet.