The Epic Rivalry Between Club América and Chivas de Guadalajara in Mexican Soccer

The Intense Rivalry Between Club América and Chivas

The rivalry between Club América and Chivas de Guadalajara is one of the biggest and most intense in Mexican soccer. When these two giants face each other, it's not just a soccer match - it's a battle for pride and bragging rights. As the two most successful and popular clubs in Mexico, their rivalry represents the divisions within Mexican society itself.

The Origins of the Rivalry

Club América was founded in 1916 in Mexico City and is synonymous with the capital and the central region. Chivas came later in 1906 in Guadalajara, representing Mexico's second largest city and the western region. As the two largest fanbases in Mexico, the clubs naturally became rivals as they competed for titles and fans across the country.

Beyond geography, the rivalry also has class connotations. América has always been considered the team of the elite and middle classes, while Chivas prides itself as the "team of the people." This characterization only stokes the flames of antagonism between both sets of fans.

Chivas and Their Policy of Mexican Players Only

An important aspect that adds further fuel to the rivalry is Chivas' unique policy of only fielding Mexican players, unlike other Liga MX clubs. This policy represents enormous Mexican pride and nationalism for Chivas fans. To them, beating their bitter rivals América with an all-Mexican squad brings added satisfaction and represents a triumph over the old elite establishment.

For their part, América fans look down on Chivas' Mexican only policy as being regressive and limiting. They prefer América's model of signing talented foreign players alongside top Mexican ones as the path to victory and continental success.

Head-to-Head Record

In their long history competing in the top flight since the professional era began in 1943, Club América and Chivas have faced each other 234 times across all competitions. América holds the slight upper hand with 92 wins compared to 85 for Chivas, while 57 games have finished drawn.

In Liga MX play, América also leads Chivas 73 wins to 70. However, Chivas has defeated América in three finals, triumphing in the Champions' Cup 1959, Copa Mexico 1970, and most painfully for América fans, the Liga MX Apertura 2006 final.

Key Games Through the Years

Throughout the decades, Club América and Chivas fans have witnessed some epic matches and moments between these bitter rivals that live long in the memory.

In 1983, the clubs were involved in one of the highest scoring "Clásico Nacional" matches ever, a 5-4 victory for Chivas at Estadio Jalisco. The game is still referred to as the "nine goal classic."

During the Apertura 2005 semifinal second leg at Estadio Azteca, the teams played an intense match that finished 1-1, knocking Chivas out of the competition to the despair of their fans. Tempers boiled over with a mass brawl at the final whistle, known as the "Game of Shame."

But the most celebrated moment in the rivalry from a Chivas perspective came in the 2006 Apertura final second leg. After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, Chivas defeated América 1-0 at Estadio Jalisco in front of over 45,000 exuberant fans, denying their rivals the trophy.

Violence Between Extreme Fans

As with many intense soccer rivalries, violence has also sadly tarnished the history between these great clubs. Extreme factions of supporters, especially Chivas' "La Rebel" group have been involved in violent clashes before and after matches over the years.

One particularly disturbing incident occurred after the 2004 Clásico Tapatío, when a Chivas fan was shot and killed by a member of a radical América supporters group. This tragedy highlighted the need to curtail fan violence that not only harms individuals, but also the reputation of both clubs and their broader supporter bases.

Importance of the Rivalry for Mexican Soccer

Despite the sporadic hooliganism from extreme fans, the rivalry between Club América and Chivas is overall a positive one that brings excitement, passion and international attention to Mexican soccer.

Games between these giants of the Liga MX generate huge interest in Mexico, the United States and globally. From a marketing perspective, the rivalry is a lucrative one that promotes investment in Mexican club soccer.

With massive fanbases, the rivalry motivates both clubs to excel on the field and represents a driving factor behind their combined 33 Liga MX titles.

Where to Next for the Rivalry?

As the Liga MX grows increasingly competitive, one thing remains constant - when Club América and Chivas face off, it's far more than just a regular league game. Almost 100 years since starting their rivalry, games between these bitter foes represent a clash of philosophies, classes and opposing soccer schools of thought.

Despite periodic unsavory incidents between radical fans, the vast majority are passionate supporters who bring the vibrant sights, sounds and emotions that make the "Clásico Nacional" rivalry one of the most engrossing not only in Mexico, but the world.

With investment continuing to pour into Mexican club soccer, fans can expect many more thrilling chapters in this enduring soccer rivalry between the sporting giants of América and Chivas.

FAQs

When did the rivalry between Club América and Chivas start?

The rivalry began in the early 1900s when both clubs were founded and started competing in the Mexican league. However, it really intensified in the 1940s when the professional era began and games between these clubs took on bigger significance.

Why do Chivas only field Mexican players?

Chivas implemented their policy of only fielding Mexican players in 1908. It represents a strong sense of Mexican nationalism and pride. Chivas see themselves as the authentic "Mexican" club, which adds more intensity when they face their bitter rivals Club América.

Which club has been more successful in the rivalry?

In terms of overall head-to-head record, Club América has 92 wins compared to 85 for Chivas. However, Chivas has won some key finals between the clubs including the 2006 Apertura Liga MX championship.

Has the rivalry been marred by fan violence?

There have been violent clashes between extreme fan groups over the years. Most notably in 2004, when a Chivas fan was sadly killed by a member of an América fan group after a match. This highlighted the need to curtail fan violence.

Why does the rivalry matter so much?

Games between Mexican soccer's two most popular clubs generate huge interest and emotion. The rivalry maintains passion in Mexican soccer and motivates both clubs to excel. It is considered one of the top global soccer rivalries.