Chivas proves once again it's El Tri's difference-maker

	"Bofo" Bautista's appearance in the second half gave Mexico an instant shot in the arm against Ecuador on Wednesday night. Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
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Mexico's 4-2 comeback win over Ecuador on Wednesday was a sweet victory for all fans of El Tricolor. But once again, it was sweetest for diehard supporters of Chivas de Guadalajara.

It was a trio of Chivas stars -- Omar Bravo, Adolfo "Bofo" Bautista and Alberto Medina -- who were the difference-makers at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., as they stepped onto the field for the second half and all but carried Mexico to a win.

In recent years, former and current teammates such as Carlos Salcido, Oswaldo Sánchez, Gonzalo Pineda and Ramón Morales have all played critical roles in El Tri's success while wearing Chivas' red-and-white stripes at home.

While Pachuca might be a budding dynasty and the toast of Mexico, it's Chivas who has played the most critical role in helping move the national team forward. At the same time, Chivas has blossomed into one of the best clubs in Mexico and is in line to capture its second consecutive title.

With the national team quiet for perhaps the remainder of the Clausura 2007 campaign, Chivas players will now be free to focus on defending their title. Through 12 weeks, Chivas is in second place in Group 1 and holds a comfortable grip on a playoff spot.

If Chivas defends its title successfully, the heart of both club and country will have carried it there. Bravo, who set up the equalizer against Ecuador when he was fouled outside the penalty area, leads the club with seven goals this season. Bautista, who has clashed with the coaching staff recently, has a pair of goals and helps create space for the elusive Bravo.

Medina appears ready to assume a spot on the right side of the field for El Tri and is just as valuable to Chivas' attack. Veterans Morales and Pineda add speed and leadership to both Chivas and Mexico.

Salcido and Sánchez left for Europe and Santos, respectively, but the club has done well to replace them. (Click here to see how Salcido is doing at PSV Eindhoven and what he thinks of his former teammates' chances.) Pineda, Sánchez and Bautista were developed elsewhere but the rest of the aforementioned players rose through Chivas' ranks.

In terms of production, only city rivals Atlas can match Chivas' success as the Rojinegros have produced such players as Jared Borgetti, Pavel Pardo, Rafael Márquez, Andrés Guardado and Sánchez.

Still, when the national team plays, it's Chivas who is responsible for the brunt of the damage.

Eye on a trophy

Chivas might have to wait until May to defend its Clausura title but the club will try to take the next step toward another championship next week.

After a 1-1 tie in Washington, Chivas will head home to host D.C. United in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals next Tuesday, April 3.