Chivas last year were very nearly a disaster. They barely escaped relegation in Liga MX, and it was disconcerting to see a once-great side fall so far.
The times appear to be changing though, because Wednesday Chivas won the Copa MX, defeating Leon 1-0 in the final. This ended a nine-year trophyless run.
Oswaldo Alanis headed Chivas into the lead in the 71st minute, ensuring victory for the Guadalajara side.
#MiercolesDeFut Alanís de cabeza abre el marcador ¡AHORA EN VIVO! aquí en TDcom https://t.co/x2vgKZtTzV https://t.co/BLLl7Mjq5V
— Televisa Deportes (@TD_Deportes) November 5, 2015
But this was about more than one game for Chivas. Coach Matias Almeyda has his team playing with confidence (Omar Bravo in particular has been great this year), which is not an easy thing to do for a club that considers itself one of the top clubs in Mexico but has gone trophyless for nine years. The last year Chivas won a trophy was the same year Chicharito Hernandez made his debut for the club.
Much of the credit deservedly falls on Almeyda's shoulders. The Argentine took over for Chepo de la Torre in September and Chivas have looked like a different side since then.
They have the talent (Omar Bravo and Marco Fabian are not exacly jokers) to compete in Liga MX, and if Almeyda has them playing with confidence like on Wednesday, they could challenge for a top spot in Liga MX.
All they have to do is believe.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus @The18.com or follow hin on Twitter @Samklomhaus