Chivas vs América: Lineups set for Clásico Nacional
Saturday's Clásico Nacional arrives with Guadalajara unbeaten and leading the Clausura 2026, while América chases consistency. The match at Estadio Akron kicks off Saturday, February 14 at 10: 07 PM ET. Below are the lineup listings circulating ahead of the Jornada 6 showdown, plus the key storylines that will shape the contest.
Match details and current form
Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, February 14 at 10: 07 PM ET at Estadio Akron. Guadalajara sits atop the table with a perfect record — five wins from five matches for 15 points, 10 goals scored and four conceded. Their most recent outing ended in a 2-1 victory on the road at Mazatlán, extending a run of convincing results in the early weeks of the Clausura.
América occupies eighth place with eight points, built from two wins, two draws and one loss. The Águilas have shown flashes of recovery, most recently securing a league win over Monterrey and advancing in continental competition this week, a boost to morale as they head into this high-profile rivalry.
History adds spice: Guadalajara have struggled to find the net against América at Akron in recent Liga MX meetings, while the visiting side will be eager to climb the table with a statement result in one of Mexico's fiercest fixtures.
Lineups and selection notes
Two versions of the Chivas starting XI circulated in pre-match listings, reflecting late tactical options or last-minute availability checks. Editors at the stadium provided both iterations; readers should expect a final confirmation as teams complete their warm-ups.
Listed Chivas options:
- Option A: Raúl Rangel; Diego Campillo, José Castillo, Daniel Aguirre, Bryan González; Richard Ledezma, Omar Govea, Rubén González; Efraín Álvarez, Roberto Álvarez, Armando González.
- Option B: Raúl Rangel; José Castillo, Luis Romo (C), Daniel Aguirre; Richard Ledezma, Omar Govea, Brian Gutiérrez, Bryan González; Efraín Álvarez, Roberto Álvarez, Armando González.
América's XI also presented slight variations across lists, but their spine is consistent: Luis Malagón starts in goal with a backline anchored by Sebastián Cáceres and Israel Reyes. Midfield options include Jonathan Dos Santos and Rodrigo Dourado, while the attack is expected to feature Brian Rodríguez and Henry Martín.
- América (common elements): Luis Malagón; Sebastián Cáceres, Israel Reyes, Cristian Borja, Kevin Álvarez; Rodrigo Dourado, Jonathan Dos Santos; attacking options including Isaías Violante or Alejandro Zendejas alongside Víctor Dávila or Erick Sánchez; Brian Rodríguez; Henry Martín (C).
Coaches on both sides must balance intensity with discipline in a fixture where moments decide outcomes. Guadalajara's lineup choices will reveal whether they prioritize offensive continuity or tactical caution to protect an unbeaten run. América’s selections will indicate whether the coach trusts experience or injects freshness to overturn the table gap.
What to watch during the Clásico
Key battles will likely determine the result: Guadalajara's creative midfielders vs. América's central defensive pairing; wing play and pressing intensity; and set-piece organization at both ends. A fast start could unsettle either side, and the psychological weight of the rivalry means refereeing decisions and game management will be under close scrutiny.
The match doubles as a season barometer: a win for Chivas cements early dominance and further separates the teams in the standings; a victory for América would provide momentum and confidence heading into a congested schedule.
Referee assignments list César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos as the center official. Final confirmation of starting XIs will come as teams submit their official sheets before kickoff.
Expect intensity, tactical chess, and the kind of unpredictable moments that make the Clásico Nacional a landmark fixture in the Liga MX calendar.
