Chivas de Guadalajara extended their perfect pre-season run by defeating Necaxa 3-2 in a friendly at Estadio Victoria in Aguascalientes on 5 July. The result spoiled Fernando Gago’s first match on a Liga MX touchline since he left Chivas for Boca Juniors nine months ago and reinforced the strong start being crafted by Chivas’ new manager, Gabriel Milito. Daniel Aguirre put Guadalajara ahead in the 22nd minute before a long-range effort from Érick Gutiérrez was deflected by Necaxa’s Iván Rodríguez into his own net three minutes before the interval. Luis Romo stretched the lead to 3-0 shortly after the restart, but Necaxa replied through a Jesús Alcántar free-kick on 73 minutes and a Johan Rojas strike in the 87th, falling just short of an equaliser. Off the field, the encounter was marked by a frosty reunion. Gago, greeted by sustained boos from a large contingent of travelling Chivas fans, crossed the pitch to shake hands only with compatriot Milito, ignoring the players he coached last season. Chivas squad members reciprocated the cold shoulder, highlighting lingering resentment over his abrupt 2024 departure. The match also featured the first appearance of left-back Cristian “Chicote” Calderón in a Necaxa shirt after completing a loan move from Club América earlier in the week. The former Chivas defender was jeered by sections of the crowd but played the full second half. Saturday’s victory follows Guadalajara’s 3-2 triumph over Mineros on 30 June that secured the Copa por el Bienestar, giving Milito two trophies since taking charge. Chivas will close their tune-up schedule against Leones Negros on 12 July before debuting in the Apertura 2025 in Week 2, while Necaxa begin their league campaign the same day away to Toluca.