Chivas 1-0 América — González Strike Secures Clásico Nacional and Perfect Start
Chivas held off América in a tightly contested Clásico Nacional at Estadio Akron on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, with a 1-0 victory that extended Guadalajara's flawless run. A decisive finish from Armando González just before halftime separated the sides in a match played under strong defensive discipline from the hosts. Kickoff was at 22: 07 ET.
How the match unfolded
The only goal arrived in the 41st minute when Armando González found space inside the box and finished clinically to give Chivas the lead. That strike proved to be the match-winner after a first half in which both teams traded probing sequences but struggled to create clear chances. América pushed for an equalizer in the second half, increasing their intensity and testing Chivas on transitions, but the visitors could not turn pressure into the necessary finishing moments.
Chivas defended with structure and discipline, cutting off passing lanes in midfield and neutralizing América's most dangerous outlets. Roberto Alvarado played the full match and was a constant presence in the final third, while the defensive unit limited opportunities for Henry Martín and Brian Rodríguez. América showed flashes of attacking intent but lacked the final punch to scramble a point from a hostile environment.
Implications for both clubs
The victory cements Chivas as the early-season standard-bearer in the Clausura. The win extended their streak to six consecutive victories in the competition and left them with a perfect record and 18 points through six matches. Offensively the team has been efficient, and the balance between a compact back line and a creative midfield has been decisive so far.
For América, the defeat compounds an inconsistent start to the campaign. The squad now sits outside the top positions with eight points, and questions will remain about finishing and cutting edge in decisive moments. The coaching staff will be tasked with tightening combinations and finding a reliable attacking rhythm as the calendar advances and the league schedule ramps up.
On the continental front, América progressed to the next round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier in the week after eliminating Olimpia, but the team will need to regroup quickly to address domestic shortcomings revealed in this high-profile fixture.
Lineups and key performers
Chivas (starters): Raúl Rangel; Diego Campillo, José Castillo, Daniel Aguirre, Bryan González; Richard Ledezma, Omar Govea, Rubén González; Efraín Álvarez, Roberto Alvarado, Armando González.
América (starters): Luis Malagón; Sebastián Cáceres, Israel Reyes, Cristian Borja, Kevin Álvarez; Rodrigo Dourado, Jonathan Dos Santos, Isaías Violante; Víctor Dávila, Brian Rodríguez, Henry Martín.
Armando González emerged as the defining figure with his decisive finish, reinforcing a reputation for stepping up in high-pressure encounters. On the other side, América's frontline created sporadic moments but ultimately failed to convert them into goals, a shortcoming that will demand attention as the tournament continues.
As both teams turn their focus to the upcoming rounds, Chivas will aim to maintain momentum and protect their lead on the table, while América will work to correct course and climb back into contention.
