Raphael Veiga Absent from Chivas vs América National Classic: Here’s Why
Raphael Veiga’s highly anticipated debut as a starter in the national classic against Chivas will have to wait. Just minutes before the match at Estadio Akron, head coach André Jardine announced that the Brazilian superstar would begin the game on the bench. Despite training with the first team all week, Jardine made a surprising tactical shift ahead of the match.
Reasons Behind Raphael Veiga’s Bench Role
Veiga’s absence from the starting lineup is not due to a serious injury, but rather a strategic decision based on two key factors:
- Intensity and Dynamism: Jardine opted to include young player Isaías Violante in Veiga’s position. The coach believes a midfield with greater dynamism and recovery capability is essential to succeed in the classic on Chivas’ home turf. Violante provides the physical presence needed to win possession early in the game.
- Fitness and Adaptation: Although Veiga is a major signing for the tournament, he only arrived in Mexico a few weeks ago. The adjustment to the altitude and pace of Liga MX is still in progress. Jardine prefers to use Veiga as a second-half substitute to capitalize on the fatigue of the opposing team, allowing him to utilize his playmaking abilities effectively.
Predicted Game Involvement
It is expected that Raphael Veiga will see action in the second half. Jardine plans to introduce him when the match opens up, which could enable Veiga to become the game-changer for Club América. Fans who were eager to witness the talent from the outset will need to exercise patience as he continues to acclimate to the team’s system.
Club América’s Starting XI
Without Veiga, the starting lineup for Club América includes:
- Goalkeeper: Malagón
- Defenders: Álvarez, Cáceres, Reyes, Borja
- Midfielders: Dourado, Dos Santos, Violante
- Forwards: Dávila, Henry, Rodríguez
Match Details
The crucial match between Chivas de Guadalajara and Club América is scheduled as follows:
| Date | Time | Location | Stadium Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 21:00 (Mexico) | Estadio Akron | 49,850 |
Kick-off Times by Region
- Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay: 00:00 hs
- Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela: 23:00 hs
- Colombia, Peru, Panama, USA, Ecuador: 22:00 hs
- Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras: 21:00 hs
For real-time updates on the Liga MX, including live scores and standings, visit Filmogaz.com for comprehensive coverage.
