Chivas defender Antonio Briseño posts impressive Apertura numbers 📊 | OneFootball

After a disappointing regular-season campaign in the Apertura, Chivas are not expected to make much of a mark when the play-offs start next weekend.

The Flock’s reward for their 10th-place finish is a trip to face Puebla in the repechaje.

Coming on the back of an international break, it is hard to predict how either team will perform in the knockout fixture.

One aspect of their campaign that Chivas can take heart from is there defensive form.

Despite changing managers in September, Los Rojiblanos remained consistently tight at the back. Conceding just 13 goals attests to that fact, with only the top two of América and Atlas enjoying better defensive records.

There is also the individual brilliance of centre-back Antonio Briseño to offer hope that the Guadalajara club can produce something special in the Liguilla.

Data from Statiskicks shows that ‘El Pollo’ was number one in successful pressures and aerial duels won, despite not featuring in three of the 17 games.

If the old adage that defence wins championships rings true, then maybe Chivas have more chance of success this season than they are being given credit for.