Club America vs Chivas - The Epic Rivalry Between Mexico's Biggest Clubs

The Intense Rivalry Between Club America and Chivas

The rivalry between Mexico's two most popular football clubs, Club America and Chivas de Guadalajara, known as "El Super Clasico" or "El Clasico Nacional", is considered one of the biggest and most intense derbies in world football. When these two giants face off, it's not just a football match, it's a battle for pride and bragging rights that divides families, friends and communities across Mexico.

The Origins of the Rivalry

Club America, founded in 1916, is based in Mexico City and has a large fanbase across the country. Chivas, founded in 1906 in Guadalajara, is favored by fans in the western part of Mexico. As the two most successful and supported clubs in Liga MX, with legions of passionate fans, a intense rivalry was inevitable.

Beyond geography and popularity, the clubs represent very different philosophies. Club America prides itself on signing the best players available, whether foreign or domestic. They scour the globe looking for talent. Chivas only signs Mexican players, building a source of pride in developing homegrown stars.

These contrasting styles amplified tensions between the fanbases. America fans see Chivas' Mexican-only policy as arrogant. Chivas fans criticize America for prioritizing foreign stars over Mexican players.

Some Key Moments in the Rivalry

Some landmark events that have intensified the rivalry over the years include:

• 1959 - The first ever penalty shootout in Mexican football history took place between America and Chivas in the semi-finals of the Copa Mexico tournament. America won the dramatic shootout 4-3.
• 1983 - A brawl broke out between the players towards the end of a league match at Estadio Jalisco. After the chaos subsided, 5 red cards were issued including one to Chivas legend Javier "Chicharo" Hernandez.
• 2005 - In an intense quarter-final playoff match, Club America came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Chivas 5-4 on aggregate thanks to a spectacular hat-trick by Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
• 2010 - The rivalry turned violent when fighting erupted between opposing fans outside Estadio Jalisco before a match between the clubs, resulting in over 100 arrests.

Some Notable Figures in the Rivalry

Some of the biggest names in Mexican football history have contributed to the lore of the Super Clasico over the years. Legends that featured in memorable matches between these bitter rivals include:

• Alfredo Tena - An icon for Club America who scored 8 career goals against Chivas in the Clasico Nacional across 3 separate decades (1970s, 80s and 90s).
• Salvador Reyes - Chivas' all-time leading scorer netted 14 goals against Club America, more than any other player in the derby's history.
• Cuauhtemoc Blanco - The fiery and controversial Mexico national team star played for Club America and was involved in many iconic clashes with Chivas.
• Jared Borgetti - Mexico's powerful striker netted 6 Super Clasico goals for Santos Laguna and America combined. His aerial abilities terrified Chivas defenses.

Why This Rivalry Matters So Much

There are several reasons why El Super Clasico is considered one of the top derbies in world football:

• It's contested between Mexico's 2 most popular and successful clubs, with nationwide support bases.
• Their contrasting philosophies (signing policy, playing styles) heighten tensions between fans.
• Numerous incidents and controversial moments on and off the field over the decades have bred hatred between the rival supporters.
• It features Mexico's biggest legends and personalities like Hugo Sanchez, Luis Hernandez and Rafael Marquez.
• The stadium atmospheres when they face are electric with nonstop chanting, singing and energy from both sets of fans.
• It is one of the biggest viewed Liga MX matchups broadcast around the world.

When Club America clashes with Chivas, it's not just another league fixture, it feels more like a war. Players and managers on both sides understand they can achieve hero status by winning this monumental contest. The Super Clasico has produced many of Mexican football's most memorable moments.

Previewing the Upcoming Super Clasico Clash

The latest chapter in this iconic rivalry takes place on March 7th, 2024 as Club America and Chivas square off in the semi-finals of the Liga MX Clausura tournament. With a spot in the championship final on the line, tensions are high heading into this Super Clasico showdown.

Current Form Guide

Club America finished 2nd in the regular season table with a record of 10W-4D-4L. They rely heavily on Paraguayan striker Antonio Sanvezzo who contributed 13 goals. In the quarter-finals, America eliminated Atlas 3-2 on aggregate.

Chivas ended the regular season in 3rd position earning 9W-3D-6L. Their offensive catalyst is winger Alexis Vega who tallied 11 goals. Chivas reached the semis by defeating Toluca 2-1 over two legs.

Key Players

For Club America, all eyes are on Sanvezzo to power their attack. Midfielder Andres Ibarguen pulls the strings in the center of the park. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will be counted on to make big saves.

Chivas will look to Vega and veteran striker Jose Juan Macias to spearhead their offense. Jesus Molina anchors a physical midfield aimed at disruption. The backline led by Hiram Mier must contain America's dangerous strikers.

Prediction

This matchup is too close to call but the hostile away atmosphere may sway things in Chivas' favor. Both teams excel going forward which suggests goals. A 2-2 or 3-2 thriller would not be surprising. In the end, Chivas just might emerge with a narrow victory.

No matter what happens, this promises to be an epic Super Clasico contest with major implications. The winner goes to the Liga MX final while the loser suffers heartbreak. With so much on the line, expect a passionate, intense affair between bitter rivals.

FAQs

When did the rivalry between Club America and Chivas begin?

The rivalry began in the early 1900s when Club America and Chivas emerged as two of the most popular and successful clubs in Mexico. However, tensions really escalated in the 1950s as they started competing for trophies on a regular basis.

Which club has been more successful historically?

Club America has won the Liga MX title 13 times, compared to 11 league titles for Chivas. However, Chivas has won more domestic cups such as the Copa Mexico and Campeon de Campeones. Overall, Club America is considered to have been slightly more successful historically.

Why is it called the Super Clasico?

The match between Club America and Chivas is called the "Super Clasico" because they are the two most popular and successful clubs in Mexico with nationwide support. When they play, it is considered the biggest game in Liga MX.

What is Club America's philosophy towards foreign players?

Club America prides itself on signing talented foreign players alongside Mexican stars. They have frequently brought in top South American talents. Chivas, by contrast, only signs Mexican players.

Which player has scored the most Super Clasico goals?

Former Chivas striker Salvador Reyes has scored the most goals in the rivalry's history, with 14 career strikes in El Super Clasico matches against Club America.