Natalia Mauleón's performance in the Clásico Tapatío was nothing short of spectacular, as she played a pivotal role in Chivas Femenil's commanding 4-0 victory over Atlas at Estadio Jalisco. The Michoacán native, donning the No. 14 jersey, showcased her exceptional skills and vision, leading her team to a decisive win in this highly anticipated matchup.
Since joining Chivas Femenil for the Apertura 2026 season, Mauleón has been a player to watch. Her initial appearances hinted at her potential, but her display against Atlas truly underscored her capabilities. Starting the match as an attacking midfielder, she was instrumental in supporting teammates Alicia Cervantes and Denise Castro in the offensive third, with Joseline Montoya and Jasmine Casarez providing width on the flanks.
Mauleón's ability to read the game was evident as she became the central figure in the attack. Every goal scored by Guadalajara seemed to originate from her feet, demonstrating her influence on the match. For the opening goal, she initiated a high press, staying close to the ball. After Eva González regained possession, Mauleón's quick touch allowed Montoya to exploit the inside lane and score.
The second goal was equally impressive, as Mauleón again started the press, winning the ball in the final third. She created a textbook 3-on-2 situation at the edge of the box, patiently waiting for Denise to drift wide before delivering a perfectly timed pass, which Denise converted with ease.
Her involvement didn't stop there; she played a crucial role in the third goal as well. Following the play closely, Mauleón timed her run to exploit the space behind the defense after a layoff from Cervantes. Although she was fouled in the process, resulting in a penalty kick that Cervantes converted, her contribution to the play was undeniable, even if it wouldn't officially count as an assist.
Completing her hat-trick of assists, Mauleón's high press led to another turnover, allowing her to set up Cervantes for a straightforward scoring opportunity. Her performance was characterized not only by her assists but also by her impressive statistics, which included 86 minutes played, three assists, two shots, 31 accurate passes, 54 touches, and seven defensive duels won.
Beyond the scoreline, Mauleón's ability to control the tempo of the game and manage the press solidified her status as the standout player of the Clásico Tapatío. As she continues to develop in her new role with Chivas Femenil, her contributions will be crucial for the team as they aim for success in the current season.
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