Guadalajara - América: Chivas edge América 1-0 in Clásico Nacional
Guadalajara, Saturday, February 14, 2026 — Chivas extended a dominant start to the Clausura 2026 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over América in the latest edition of the Clásico Nacional at Estadio Akron. A first-half header from Armando González proved the difference as the rojiblancos preserved a perfect record through six rounds.
González strike seals a tight contest
The match’s only moment of real quality arrived just before halftime. At 41 minutes, a corner kick was flicked on into the area and Armando González rose to meet the ball, directing a header to the far post that beat the goalkeeper. The finish extended González’s excellent scoring run; he has now found the net in another Clásico and continued his steady return of goals this campaign.
Chivas’ defense held firm for the remainder of the game, limiting América’s attacking threats and protecting the 1-0 lead. The hosts showed controlled discipline in midfield and defended the flanks well, staying compact to deny clear-cut chances. América pressed late in search of an equalizer but could not create the decisive opportunity.
Standings, context and key absences
With the win, Guadalajara remains unbeaten and sits atop the Clausura table with 18 points from six matches, extending one of the club’s best starts in recent short tournaments. The victory underlines the team’s balance: efficient scoring combined with defensive organization.
América, meanwhile, failed to build on a recent resurgence that included progress in continental competition. The capital side remains short of the form expected of it, occupying a mid-table position with eight points following this defeat. The squad also missed the pace and width of one of its usual wingers, who was ruled out of the clash due to a recurring issue that flared ahead of kickoff.
Earlier in the week, the visiting side had secured advancement in a regional club tournament, but that momentum did not translate into league points at Akron. The fixture calendar and squad rotations appear to be weighing on América’s cohesion as the season progresses.
Lineups and tactical notes
Chivas lined up with Raúl Rangel in goal behind a back four of Diego Campillo, José Castillo, Daniel Aguirre and Bryan González. A midfield trio of Richard Ledezma, Omar Govea and Rubén González helped control transitions, while Efraín Álvarez, Roberto Alvarado and Armando González provided forward thrust.
América started with Luis Malagón in goal and a defensive unit featuring Sebastián Cáceres, Israel Reyes, Cristian Borja and Kevin Álvarez. Their midfield included Rodrigo Dourado and Jonathan Dos Santos, with Isaías Violante, Víctor Dávila, Brian Rodríguez and Henry Martín offering support in attack.
Tactically, Chivas sought to dominate possession in central areas and exploit set-piece situations, one of which produced the match-winner. América tried to use quick combinations and individual runs to unsettle the hosts but lacked the final pass and clinical finishing required to change the scoreboard.
The Clásico’s outcome reinforces a growing narrative this Clausura: Chivas are a cohesive, confident unit on a roll, while América must find sharper offensive solutions and greater consistency to climb back toward the top of the table. The two clubs will regroup quickly, with Chivas aiming to maintain momentum and América searching for answers in the coming fixtures.
