Guadalajara’s Apertura 2025 playoff run ended Tuesday with a quarterfinal loss to Cruz Azul, a result punctuated by a missed penalty from veteran forward Javier “Chicharito” HernándezFoto Afp. the miss ignited immediate reaction from fans and pundits alike, prompting both criticism and support for the 37-year-old whose future with Chivas remains uncertain as his contract nears expiration. Beyond the Liga MX playoffs, the outcome also impacts the scheduling of the championship series, perhaps setting up a Christmas Day final if Cruz Azul advances in both the domestic league and the Intercontinental Cup.
▲ Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s penalty kick sailed wide against Cruz Azul.Foto Afp
By headlinez.news Staff
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s missed penalty in the Apertura 2025 quarterfinal against Cruz Azul sparked a wave of reaction online, as fans debated his performance in his second stint with Guadalajara, while former players like Luis García voiced their support.
Social media exploded with commentary following the crucial miss. One user posted to X, accompanied by a cartoon of an alien with the ball, “They say they’ve already found Chicharito’s penalty kick.” Another wrote, “Diego Dreyfus calculating how much therapy Chicharito will need.”
The fallout wasn’t limited to playful jabs. One user, Samantha, referenced a previous statement made by the player, writing, “Chicharito Hernández told women what to do, and he couldn’t even score a penalty.”
However, Hernández Balcázar also received strong backing. Former Mexico international Luis García stated, “I respect, admire, and applaud the courage Javier Hernández showed. He stepped up to take a huge penalty, and he didn’t hide. He missed, yes, but he could have easily avoided the responsibility.”
Chivas manager Gabriel Milito also defended Hernández, asserting that the miss “doesn’t diminish his career,” and explaining that he allowed the veteran player to take the penalty due to his experience and composure.
The 37-year-old’s second run with Guadalajara may be nearing its end, as his contract is set to expire this season. Amaury Vergara, the owner of Guadalajara, met with the team at Verde Valle following their elimination from the tournament.
Gallardo Jokes Tigres Must Win to “Save Christmas”
Toluca defender Jesús Gallardo playfully urged Tigres to defeat Cruz Azul in the semifinals “to save Christmas,” citing the impact of Cruz Azul’s participation in the Intercontinental Cup on the Apertura 2025 schedule, and the potential for further changes if La Máquina advances.
“The final? First, I hope Toluca gets there, and then I really hope Tigres eliminates Cruz Azul because I want to spend Christmas with my family and stay up a little late,” Gallardo said with a laugh before the semifinal matchup between Toluca and Monterrey.
The first leg of the semifinals will be held on Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where Cruz Azul will host Tigres. The second leg is scheduled for Saturday at 9:10 PM at El Volcán.
In the other semifinal, Monterrey will host Toluca on Wednesday at 9:10 PM. The series will conclude on Saturday at 7:00 PM at Toluca’s home stadium, Estadio Nemesio Diez.
The semifinal schedule is influenced by Cruz Azul’s upcoming appearance in the Intercontinental Cup on December 10 against Flamengo, the champions of the Copa Libertadores. The match will take place at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar.
Should La Máquina defeat the Brazilian club, they will face Egypt, the champions of Africa, in an Intercontinental Cup playoff on December 13. The winner of that match will advance to the tournament final and compete against PSG, the winners of the European Champions League.
If Cruz Azul reaches the Intercontinental final and also defeats Tigres in the Liga Mx semifinals, the Apertura 2025 championship series would have a festive twist, taking place on December 25 and 28. If La Máquina does not reach the Intercontinental final, the Liga Mx title will be decided on December 11 and 14.
