Chivas 1, América 0: Guadalajara - América Clásico Sees Armando González Winner
Armando González struck the decisive blow as Chivas defeated América 1-0 in the Clásico Nacional at Estadio Akron on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10: 07 PM ET. The goal, a header finished at the second post in the 41st minute, extended Guadalajara's undefeated run and left América searching for answers after another inconsistent start to the Clausura.
Match recap: set piece finish and controlled victory
Chivas produced the cleaner performance for long stretches, carving chances and ultimately converting one of their set-piece opportunities. The goal arrived when a corner was flicked on and González arrived unmarked to guide a header into the net. That strike continued a hot streak for González, who has been a consistent finisher so far this campaign.
América worked to create openings but rarely troubled the Chivas defense with sustained pressure. The visitors lacked the spark in wide areas that can destabilize an opponent, and the absence of one of their usual attacking outlets was noticeable. Their best attempts were met by solid defending and some disciplined positioning from the hosts.
Defensively, Guadalajara stood firm, limiting clear-cut chances and managing the game tempo once they held a lead. América chased the equalizer late but could not find the necessary final pass or shot quality to force a decisive response.
Lineups and individual notes
Chivas started with Raúl Rangel in goal and a backline of Diego Campillo, José Castillo, Daniel Aguirre and Bryan González. Midfield responsibility fell to Richard Ledezma, Omar Govea and Rubén González, while the attacking trio featured Efraín Álvarez, Roberto Alvarado and Armando González.
América lined up with Luis Malagón in goal behind Sebastián Cáceres, Israel Reyes, Cristian Borja and Kevin Álvarez. Their midfield included Rodrigo Dourado, Jonathan Dos Santos and Isaías Violante, supporting Víctor Dávila, Brian Rodríguez and Henry Martín up front. The visitors were forced to adapt after an attacking option was unavailable through injury, which blunted some of their usual combinations.
González's finishing once again proved decisive. With this goal he reinforced his status as one of Chivas' most reliable scorers this season. For América, the match highlighted the need for greater cohesion in attack and sharper finishing from advanced positions.
Standings impact and what comes next
The victory keeps Guadalajara unbeaten and cements their position at the top of the Clausura table, underscoring a campaign that has so far been built on defensive solidity and timely scoring. The win also inches them closer to equaling one of the best starts in club history, a target that adds a historical dimension to their present form.
América's stumble leaves them further adrift of the early-season pace and raises questions about consistency as the tournament reaches its middle stages. The team will need to regroup and find sharper attacking solutions in coming fixtures to climb the standings and rediscover the rhythm expected of a club of their stature.
Both sides will pivot quickly to league obligations and, for América, additional cup commitments on the continental stage. The result in this Clásico will likely shape both teams' immediate approach: Chivas aiming to maintain momentum, and América seeking tactical adjustments and a boost in attacking productivity.
For fans of the rivalry, the match reaffirmed the intensity and fine margins that define the Clásico Nacional: a single moment of quality deciding a fixture steeped in history and passion.
