Chivas edge América 1-0 in Clásico Nacional as Armando González seals another big moment
Armando González scored the decisive goal as Guadalajara beat América 1-0 in the Clásico Nacional at Estadio Akron on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 10: 07 p. m. ET. The victory extended Chivas' perfect run in the Clausura and left América with work to do as the season unfolds.
González finishes a well-worked corner to decide the game
The match’s only goal arrived just before halftime. At 41 minutes, a corner was flicked on into the penalty area and González reacted quickly, arriving at the far post to steer a low, powerful finish beyond the goalkeeper. The strike underlined González’s knack for big-game moments: it was his second consecutive Clásico winner and his fifth goal of the campaign. The forward—who shared the league’s top scorer honor in the previous season—has become the focal point of Chivas’ attack and a consistent threat inside the box.
Throughout the 90 minutes Chivas controlled phases of the match with steady possession and coordinated pressing in midfield. Defensive discipline tightened after the goal, and the hosts absorbed brief América pressure with smart positioning and timely clearances. América showed intent in spurts but ultimately struggled to create high-quality scoring chances that tested the Chivas goalkeeper.
Standings, lineups and what this result means
With the win Guadalajara pushed its perfect start to six victories and now sits atop the Clausura table with 18 points. The result keeps Milito's side firmly in title-contending form and places them two wins shy of matching the best start in the club’s recent history.
América, meanwhile, remains on eight points and dropped to 10th place following the defeat. The team had gained momentum elsewhere this week by advancing in continental competition, but the Clásico exposed lingering problems in the final third. The absence of a key wide option was noted prior to kickoff, with a player ruled out after feeling a recurrence of a recent ailment; that missing element reduced América’s ability to stretch play on the flanks.
Starting lineups for the fixture reflected the managers’ intentions to balance attack and stability. Guadalajara fielded Raúl Rangel in goal behind a back four of Diego Campillo, José Castillo, Daniel Aguirre and Bryan González. The midfield trio of Richard Ledezma, Omar Govea and Rubén González fed a front line of Efraín Álvarez, Roberto Alvarado and Armando González.
América started with Luis Malagón in goal and a backline containing Sebastián Cáceres, Israel Reyes, Cristian Borja and Kevin Álvarez. The midfield included Rodrigo Dourado, Jonathan Dos Santos and Isaías Violante, while Víctor Dávila, Brian Rodríguez and Henry Martín were tasked with producing the goals.
Outlook and immediate implications
For Chivas this result cements confidence and momentum: a compact defense paired with timely finishing has so far created an almost-unbeatable formula. Maintaining energy levels and avoiding complacency will be key as the calendar turns toward international breaks and cup fixtures.
América’s coaching staff must address attacking inefficiency and create clearer pathways to goal. The side’s continental progression provides a platform, but balancing those commitments with domestic urgency will be a challenge. The Clásico defeat is a reminder that margins are fine in a tournament where a single result can reshape momentum.
Both clubs return to league action with eyes on regrouping for the next round of fixtures, while Chivas will look to protect their lead and keep their rare unbeaten run alive.
