The Roots of Mexico’s Red Hot Rivalry
Rise of the Rivalry The Chivas vs America rivalry was formed in the 1940s through Mexico’s cultural and regional divide On the other hand, Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) founded in 1906 was proud of a tradition of only playing Mexican players Against them stood Club América founded in 1916 supported by the media behemoth Televisa and infamous for signing international stars.
Their first official match was played in 1943 (a 1-0 victory for América), and the fans and organizations have been hating each other since. Over the decades, the clash grew to be about more than sports, the eternal battle symbolizing working-class Guadalajara versus cosmopolitan Mexico City.
And it is still the crown jewel of Mexican football today. The games often break attendance and television records, and the entire nation stops to see these two Goliaths of football smash into each other.
Quick Bio Table
| Category | Chivas (Guadalajara) | América |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1906 | 1916 |
| Nickname | El Rebaño Sagrado (The Sacred Flock) | Las Águilas (The Eagles) |
| Home Stadium | Estadio Akron (49,850) | Estadio Azteca (87,000) |
| Team Policy | Only Mexican players | Mix of Mexican & international stars |
| Liga MX Titles | 12 | 14 (record) |
| CONCACAF Champions League Wins | 2 | 7 (record) |
| All-Time Top Scorer | Omar Bravo (152+ goals) | Cuauhtémoc Blanco (153+ goals) |
| Iconic Player | Javier “Chicharito” Hernández | Cuauhtémoc Blanco |
| Biggest Win in Clásico | 7-0 (1957) | 7-2 (1984) |
| Recent Dominance | América (7 wins in last 10 meetings) | Stronger in 21st century |
| Fanbase Nickname | La Rebel | La Monumental |
| Cultural Identity | Working-class, Mexican pride | Glamour, corporate backing |
| Ownership | Vergara Family | Televisa (now Grupo Orlegi) |
By the Numbers: Series Histories
Historically, América has a slight edge in this legendary rivalry. Of the 250 previous encounters in all competitions, América has won about 100 games to Chivas’s 85, with 65 ties. The days when the side had supremacy have waned recently: América has won 7 of the last 10 clashes.
Here are some memorable scorelines:
- Chivas’ record 7-0 demolition in 1957
- América’s 4-0 revenge in the 1984 final
- The thrilling 3-3 draw in 2017 that had fans on edge until the final whistle
Yet, arguably more successful in terms of league titles—América has 14 to Chivas’ 12—they have proven that they can rise to the big occasion.
The Stadiums: Shrines to Passion
Estadio Akron – The Fortress of Chivas It’s no longer the otherwise feared Estadio CHIVAS!
The brand-new 49,850-seat Estadio Akron in Zapopan is alive on game days. Famous for its hostile environment, the stadium reverberates with choruses of “¡Chivas! ¡Chivas!” from fervent fans who turn the venue into a sea of red and white.
Estadio Azteca, the America Colossus
América play at the iconic 87,000-seater Estadia Azteca. The stadium has hosted two World Cup finals, so there’s precious little that intimidates the locale to which El Clásico is taken. All those steep stands aid the roar from America’s faithful.
Both locations become cauldrons of sound during those showdowns, with far more ticket demand than supply. From the first whistle to the last, the atmosphere is out of this world, and any football fan should experience it at least once .
Icons of the Rivalry: Players Who Became Legends
Chivas’ Immortals
Javier “Chicharito” Hernández has not only made everyone forget about his selfish birth club, but he was a product of Chivas before moving to become Mexico’s most famous export. The club’s all-time leading scorer, Omar Bravo, tormented América’s back line for years. Ramón Morales directed play with his wizard left foot in many Clásicos.
América Heroes
Cuauhtémoc Blanco was América warrior during the 90s and 2000s. Before he was shot, Salvador Cabañas was a fan favorite with a lethal touch. There was Argentine flair to Claudio López that wowed fans.
They weren’t just playing; they etched their names into Mexican football history books via their Clásico exploits.
Tactical Battles: How the Rivalry Gets Played on the Field
Chivas plays with the usual high pressure and quick transitions the all-Mexican team has united around. América is a typically possession-based team, with its technical midfielders and creative wingers who specialize in how to open up rival defenses.
Some key tactical battles to watch are:
Chivas’s attacking fullbacks vs. América skillful wingers: One area that could potentially be exploited on the other side of the field is the seam of the defense between the fullbacks and the centrebacks.
Key tactical matchups include:
- Chivas’ aggressive fullbacks against América tricky wingers
- The midfield battle between América playmakers and Chivas’ enforcers
- Set-piece situations where both teams excel
The side that has the most success in dealing with the unique pressure of the match typically wins. If recent history is any guide, América’s poise in major situations could give it an advantage.
The 12th Man: The True Story of the Alabama Football Fans Who Lived and Died for Their Team
Chivas’ “La Rebel” and América’s “La Monumental” are two of the most passionate group supporters in world soccer. The stadiums change on matchdays, with:
- Complex ties across entire stands
- No break, endless chanting for 90+ minutes
- Creative (and controversial) banners
It is a competition that plays out not just in stadiums but also in workplaces, schools, and family dinners in Mexico. Win or lose, fans obsess and argue about the results for weeks.
Outside of Football: Rivalry Beyond the Game
The chasm between Chivas and América reflects Mexico’s social disparities:
- Tradition vs modernity
- Local pride in opposition to the hegemony of the capital.
- Identity vs Worldview
The competition is reflected in the Mexican culture by:
- Music (so many corridos about the teams)
- References in television and film
- If the politicians are evenlined, then the other political discourse (as the politicians are often biased/resonate with sided).
That cultural relevance means there is a relevance to the rivalry even in reducing periods for either sporting club.
Where to Watch the Clásico
Attending Live
Tickets are hard to come by, generally:
- Season ticket membership
- Connections to fan clubs
- Willingness to pay premium resale prices
Watching Broadcasts
- Mexico: TUDN, Televisa, Azteca
- Abroad: ESPN, Fox Sports, FuboTV
- Streaming: Vix+, Paramount+ (some regions)
Local cantinas and sports bars across the country will hold the next best thing to being at the stadium — spirited, doting watch parties.
Why This Rivalry Grips a Nation
Chivas vs. América is more than just a soccer game; it reflects Mexican society. The rivalry combines:
- Historic sporting excellence
- Cultural significance
- Unmatched passion
- Dramatic narratives
Whether you’re a neutral observer or devout follower, the Súper Clásico provides lasting memories that make football Mexico’s actual national pastime.
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FAQs
When did the rivalry between Chivas and América start?
The rivalry originated in the 1940s, and their first official encounter occurred in 1943 (a 1-0 win for América). It had its roots in regional, cultural, and ideological differences between the two clubs.
Head-to-head (h2h) record: Who has the most head-to-head win?
América owns a slight historical advantage with 100 wins to Chivas’ 85 (in 250-some-odd hurlyburly clashes). The other games were tied.
Why is this derby known as “El Súper Clásico”?
Mexico’s biggest football rivalry is greater than other derbies due to its massive support base, historic success, and cultural significance.
Chivas and América (Wikipedia) Where do Chivas and América play?
- Chivas: Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, 49,850)
- América: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City: 87000 capacity)
How can I stream Chivas vs America live?
The match airs on TUDN, Televisa, ESPN , and Fox Sports in Mexico. International fans can stream it on FuboTV, Vix+, or Paramount+.
