Chivas hold off América 1-0 in Clásico Nacional as Armando González delivers again
Guadalajara continued its dominant Clausura run with a 1-0 victory over América in the Clásico Nacional at Estadio Akron on Saturday, February 14, 2026 (10: 07 PM ET). A headed finish by Armando González just before halftime proved decisive, as Chivas preserved a perfect record and América struggled to find rhythm without key attacking options.
González again the difference
The game’s only goal arrived in the 41st minute when a well-delivered set piece was glanced on and picked out Armando González at the far post for a composed finish. The strike underscored González’s growing influence: he has now found the net in consecutive editions of the derby and remains one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards.
Chivas’ winner was less a flash of individual brilliance than the culmination of sustained pressure. The home side looked the more assured unit across the first 45 minutes, carving pockets of space in América’s defense and forcing the visitors to defend deeper as the half progressed. América pushed after the break but never really threatened to overturn the deficit.
Perfect start for Guadalajara; América left searching for answers
The victory lifts Guadalajara to 18 points after six matches, keeping the rojiblancos on a perfect run and atop the Clausura standings. The win extends a statement start for Gabriel Milito’s side and edges them closer to matching the club’s best opening in the modern short-tournament era.
América, meanwhile, remains in the lower half of the table following a rocky beginning to the campaign. The team sits with eight points and has now dropped important ground in the domestic race. The visitors had secured a spot in the continental knockout stage earlier in the week, a positive note for the club’s season, but that success did not translate into attacking fluency in the derby.
Injury trouble compounded América’s problems: a key wide option was unavailable for selection after picking up a recurrence of a physical issue, a loss that diminished the team’s ability to stretch play and supply service into dangerous areas. América’s frontline produced limited clear-cut chances, and the side paid the price against a Chivas defense that stayed compact and disciplined for most of the night.
Tactical takeaways and lineups
Milito fielded a balanced XI that blended experienced creators with young energy on the flanks. Chivas’ setup aimed to control midfield and overload the opposing full backs, creating the crossing opportunities that led to the decisive goal. The home team also showed a willingness to press when out of possession, disrupting América’s buildup in key moments.
The starting lineups presented a familiar look. Guadalajara deployed a back four in front of the goalkeeper and relied on a midfield trio to link play to forwards, with Armando González spearheading the attack. América lined up with an experienced goalkeeper and a backline intended to absorb pressure, while the midfield attempted to shield the defense and spark transitions. Despite tactical plans on both sides, the balance favored the hosts on the night.
From a discipline and game-management perspective, Chivas handled the closing stages with composure. They soaked up pressure and cleared danger when necessary, while América’s attempts to force openings often invited the home side to counter in promising positions.
The result cements Guadalajara’s status as the team to beat in the early Clausura table and hands their supporters another memorable chapter in a rivalry that rarely disappoints. For América, the focus now shifts to finding attacking cohesion and managing injuries as the season enters a packed stretch of fixtures.
