James Rodríguez shines with León and seals Chivas' penalty kill

Liga MX experienced a high-voltage night when Club León faced Chivas at the renovated León stadium, the scene of a duel filled with symbolism, expectation, and tension. Amid a divided and demanding atmosphere, James Rodríguez emerged as the absolute leader of the Panzas Verdes, reaffirming that his talent is not a thing of the past, but a present reality that still makes a difference.

Wearing the number 10 on his back, James Rodríguez carries not only the expectations of an enthusiastic fan base, but also the legacy of having worn historic jerseys such as those of Real Madrid and the Colombian national team. His arrival in Liga MX was seen by many as a golden retirement, but the Colombian is determined to leave a real mark on Mexican soccer.

Against Chivas, in one of the most attractive classics of the calendar, James responded as the stars do: with a masterfully taken penalty in the 65th minute , which sealed the final 1-0 scoreline.

It all started with a quick move by Ettson Ayón, who cut inside the box and ended up going down after contact with Erick Gutiérrez. Referee Adonai Escobedo reviewed the play with the help of VAR, awarding a penalty after observing how the Atletico midfielder got in the way of the Esmeralda forward.

James didn't hesitate. He walked purposefully to the penalty spot. He held his gaze amidst the shouts and insults of the visiting fans. And with surgical composure , he beat goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, completely deceiving him. Then, without shouting, without fanfare, he celebrated, looking at the Chivas fans. Silence, gesture, and presence.

On the other side, Gabriel Milito made his debut as Chivas coach , with a team filled with unknowns rather than certainties. The bet was on Cade Cowell, a young Mexican-American sprinter, as the sole forward, ahead of figures like Alan Pulido or Roberto Alvarado.

The most surprising aspect was the absence of Javier "Chicharito" Hernández , who remained on the bench for the entire match. The Rojiblanco idol, supposedly the offensive centerpiece, continues to be absent from the field, raising questions about his physical condition and his role in this new season.

Club León didn't just win three points. It gained confidence, credibility, and reaffirmed its identity. James Rodríguez didn't come to Mexico for a walk. He's proving he can still decide matches with talent, composure, and tactical clarity . His understanding of the game remains intact, and his leadership is more mature than ever.

Chivas, for its part, leaves more questions than answers. The image from the previous tournament persists: possession without depth, mobility without finishing, and a squad that seems unable to find a balance between experience and youth.

The impact of players like James Rodríguez isn't measured solely by goals, but by what they create around them. Liga MX, historically criticized for its lack of significant international stars, finds in the Colombian a player who raises the competitive level, challenges his teammates, and excites fans .

While León is making steady progress, Chivas will have to reorganize its project. The tournament is just getting started, but some are already beginning to show they want more than just to participate.