End of an era? ‘Chicharito’s’ failure at Chivas ends with a missed penalty

Javier “Chicharito” Hernández has long embraced a personal philosophy: imagine great things, no matter how hard they are to achieve. His homecoming to Chivas — the club where he grew up and launched his career — was meant to reignite the team’s glory days.

But one missed penalty against Cruz Azul changed the narrative. What could have been a triumphant chapter turned into a painful metaphor for his second stint with the club.

The weight of the decisive spotkick

When it looked like Luis Romo would step up to take the crucial penalty, Chicharito grabbed the ball instead. All eyes at Estadio Olímpico Universitario locked on him. The pressure was immense, and his shot sailed high over the crossbar. The miss didn’t just cost Chivas the chance to advance — it symbolized the struggles of his return.

Leadership in the locker room

Beyond goals, many point to Hernández’s value in the locker room. His presence, experience, and ability to pass down Chivas’ identity to younger players have been praised. Still, critics argue that strikers are ultimately judged by their scoring record — and that’s where his impact has fallen short in this second chapter.

Then vs. now

Chicharito’s time with Chivas can be split into two eras:

The contrast between past brilliance and present struggles is stark.

Controversies and injuries

His comeback has also been clouded by off-field controversies — outspoken comments, social media posts, and a larger-than-life personality that often drew headlines. On the field, recurring injuries have limited his rhythm and kept him from resembling the electrifying forward fans once adored.

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