Chivas de Guadalajara started the 2015 campaign 2-5-1 under Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre. The front office quickly made a move and brought in Matias Almeyda to take over.

The addition of the Argentinean was quickly apparent in the first few matches as the squad responded positively with three straight wins; the team’s longest stretch this season.

Guadalajara is in danger of falling into relegation territory (third-to-last in percentage points), but the team is back in playoff contention. Chivas are stuck in a five-team deadlock with 17 points in the standings, good for 10th place overall.

Almeyda helped clubs River Plate and Banfield ascend to the first division of the Argentinean league. His impact has been felt immediately. Guadalajara officials are hoping Almeyda’s successful track record pays dividends.

The team is 3-1-1 with Almeyda at the helm. Omar Bravo has been the main catalyst for the resurgence of the storied franchise. Bravo has netted 5 of his 9 goals since the new coach’s appointment. In the process, Chivas’ No.9 became the club’s all-time leading scorer.

Chivas have not won a game in their last two matches but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. Under Almeyda’s leadership, the team has demonstrated more fight and determination. The team is playing more freely and thus creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Almeyda has instilled a more attack-minded scheme centered on Bravo. The 35-year-old has regained his scoring prowess. His team is rallying behind him and following his lead. The team has scored 7 goals in 5 games since the Argentine manager took over. In the previous 8 league matches the team scored 10.

Con su apoyo en la tribuna, dejaremos todo en la cancha. ChivaHermano, ¡#NoTeRajes! pic.twitter.com/7YwHHeQW9Y — CHIVAS (@Chivas) October 21, 2015 Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

His arrival has sparked a fire in the team and restored belief in the Chivas faithful. Last season’s team was one win away from reaching the Final since 2006. The 11-time champions look to return to the upper echelon of teams immediately, and Almeyda could be the man to do it.

Four games remain in the Liga MX schedule for Chivas to claim one of the 8 seeds. They will take on city foes Atlas (12th) in the Clasico Tapatio on Saturday at the Estadio Jalisco. Under Almeyda they already defeated bitter rivals Club America 2-1. Chivas will look to keep the momentum going.