Chivas vs America: Armando 'Hormiga' González secures 1-0 win in tense Clasico Nacional
Guadalajara — On Saturday, February 14, 2026 (ET), Chivas held off a late América push to claim a 1-0 victory in the Jornada 6 Clasico Nacional. Armando "Hormiga" González salvaged another big moment for the rojiblancos, finishing a rehearsed play in the 41st minute to deliver the decisive strike at Estadio Akron.
González delivers in big moments, despite early misses
González’s night was a study in resilience. He had two glaring chances inside the first 10 minutes that he failed to convert, including an early effort that sailed over the bar. Rather than letting those miscues define him, he continued to probe and linked up with teammates to punish América before halftime.
The goal itself was the product of a set-piece routine: a precise final touch in the 41st minute after collective work that pierced América’s defense. That strike proved to be the match-winner and extended a developing pattern for González, who has made a habit of appearing in high-stakes encounters this season.
González’s emergence as a clutch figure has been rapid. Last season he finished as the league’s top scorer with 12 goals and produced decisive moments in key fixtures, including a match-winning counter that broke a long regular-season drought against América and a hat-trick in the local derby against Atlas. His knack for delivering in classics is fast becoming a hallmark of his first year as a regular starter.
Late drama, defensive grit and the wider implications
América ramped up pressure late and forced tense moments deep into stoppage time; the contest did not conclude until the 96th minute. A defensive lapse earlier in the second half nearly gifted América an equalizer when a mishandled clearance handed Kevin Álvarez a chance, but the visitors were unable to capitalize on the opening.
Chivas’ backline and goalkeeper weathered a sustained finish from the opposition, and timely substitutions tried to shift the momentum in América’s favor. The away side’s persistence kept the final minutes nervy for the home supporters, but Guadalajara’s organization and game management ultimately preserved the narrow margin.
From a standings perspective, the result bolsters Chivas’ momentum early in the Clausura campaign while leaving América searching for answers as they attempt to climb the table. The match underlined the fine margins that decide high-profile rivalries and the outsized impact a single moment can have in derby football.
Legacy notes: González’s growing legend and a look back at Chicharito
González has now scored in multiple Clásicos, including consecutive encounters with América, and that pattern invites comparisons with past icons who thrived in derby atmospheres. One notable contrast is with Javier "Chicharito" Hernández: despite two separate spells with the club and many high-profile appearances, Hernández never managed an official goal against América. His only goal against the rival came in a friendly staged in Phoenix.
For Chivas, González’s performances in marquee fixtures are already helping to shape his standing among supporters. Delivering in these moments is often how legends are forged, and for a young striker in his breakthrough period, repeatedly influencing the biggest games offers both immediate rewards and long-term cachet.
The Clasico outcome will be debated in the days ahead — whether it was Chivas’ tactical acumen or América’s missed opportunities that determined the result — but the simple fact remains: on February 14, 2026 (ET), Armando González’s finish made the difference in a tight, emotion-laden classic.
