Chivas humiliate América in Clásico de Clásicos; Armando González seals perfect start
Chivas delivered a statement performance in the Clásico Nacional, edging América 1-0 at Estadio Akron on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. The lone goal — a 41st-minute finish from Armando González — handed the Rebaño a sixth straight victory and preserved their perfect start to the Clausura, while América left searching for answers after a tepid offensive display. Kickoff was 22: 07 ET.
Match snapshot: a decisive moment and disciplined defending
The game’s defining moment arrived shortly before halftime when Armando González latched onto service in the box and produced a low finish that beat the goalkeeper. The strike proved to be the only goal of a match marked by tight defensive organization from the hosts and a lack of cutting edge from América’s attackers.
Chivas manager Gabriel Milito set his side up with a compact back line and active midfield pressing, forcing América into attempts from distance and speculative crosses. Roberto Alvarado was a constant outlet at the front for Chivas, logging every minute and adding energy to the attack; he marked the occasion with a brief, pointed celebration after the final whistle. América had pockets of possession but struggled to convert promising spells into clear opportunities; their best moments were neutralized by timely interventions from the home defense.
Armando González’s role in the fixture continued to grow. The young forward has now netted in consecutive Clásicos, a run that further elevates his profile in high-pressure matches. He also had an earlier miss in the contest when a chance sailed over the bar, underscoring both his confidence to seek the goal and the fine margins that decided the match.
Standings impact, lineups and what comes next
The victory extended Chivas’ flawless start: six wins from six matches and a league-leading points haul that cements them as the side to beat in the early Clausura standings. América, meanwhile, remains on eight points and dropped down the table, confronting questions about consistency and offensive production under André Jardine.
Starting lineups for the fixture were as follows:
Chivas: Raúl Rangel; Diego Campillo, José Castillo, Daniel Aguirre, Bryan González; Richard Ledezma, Omar Govea, Rubén González; Efraín Álvarez, Roberto Alvarado, Armando González.
América: Luis Malagón; Sebastián Cáceres, Israel Reyes, Cristian Borja, Kevin Álvarez; Rodrigo Dourado, Jonathan Dos Santos, Isaías Violante; Víctor Dávila, Brian Rodríguez, Henry Martín.
Looking ahead, Chivas will aim to maintain momentum and protect their advantage at the top as the calendar turns toward the next slate of league fixtures. For América, the immediate priority is recovery: tightening the final third and finding reliable goal-scoring outlets to climb back into contention. The result also raises questions about squad depth and tactical adjustments that the coaching staff must address quickly if the club hopes to challenge for the title in the second half of the campaign.
Beyond domestic matters, both clubs have continental considerations and cup commitments that will test their rotation and resilience. For now, though, the headline is clear: Chivas dominated the day at Estadio Akron and left América with a hard lesson from one of the sport’s most storied rivalries.
