Chivas vs America: Armando González’s late set-piece strike hands Guadalajara 1-0 win
GUADALAJARA — Armando González once again proved to be the difference in a high-stakes rivalry, converting a practiced set-piece to give Chivas a 1-0 triumph over América in the Clásico Nacional on Saturday evening (ET) at Estadio Akron. The result leaves Guadalajara perfect through six rounds of the Clausura 2026 and raises fresh questions about América’s attacking fluency.
La Hormiga delivers in another classic
González, nicknamed “La Hormiga, ” finished a rehearsed corner routine in the 41st minute, heading or redirecting a contact into the second post to break the stalemate. It was his fifth goal of the campaign and his second straight match-winning strike in a fixture against the nation’s most bitter rival. The finish capped a game in which González had two glaring opportunities inside the first 10 minutes that he failed to convert, only to stay composed and reward his side before the break.
The goal reinforced González’s growing status as a Clásico specialist. He was instrumental in an earlier season victory over América at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes and delivered a hat-trick in the last city derby against Atlas. Last season he shared the league’s scoring crown with 12 goals; this term he has continued that form and has now become a recurring figure in the fixtures that shape club folklore.
Wider implications: Chivas surge, América’s attacking doubts
With the victory Chivas extended a near-historic opening run, moving to 18 points from six matches and sitting atop the table. The win keeps manager Gabriel Milito’s side on pace to challenge the club’s best short-tournament starts. For América, the loss halts a two-match winning run and leaves the team midtable with eight points after six matches.
América’s attack looked blunt for much of the evening. The squad missed the presence of a recently unfit wide option, which limited their ability to stretch the Guadalajara back line and generate high-quality chances. Opportunities at the top of the box were scarce, and when they did arrive they were either snuffed out by disciplined defending or squandered in the final touch. The broader concern for América is finding consistent offensive chemistry; the club must rediscover a reliable path to goal if it hopes to climb the standings.
Legacy notes: González’s rise versus Hernández’s blank
González’s continued prominence in rivalry matches contrasts with the strange statistical gap left by one of Guadalajara’s most celebrated strikers. Javier Hernández, a club icon, never managed to score an official goal against América during his two spells with the team. His only strike against the archrival came in a friendly encounter, leaving an unusual footnote in his otherwise storied career.
The comparison underlines how quickly narratives can shift in football. Where Hernández’s tenure lacked a competitive goal against América, González is carving a niche as a player who finds his moments when stakes are highest. That reliability in big games has endeared him to the home supporters and gives Chivas a potent psychological edge in future meetings.
As the Clausura progresses, both teams will take different lessons from this match. Guadalajara will aim to sustain momentum and protect its slim margin at the summit, while América must reassess its offensive approach and personnel to arrest a slide that could become costly in a crowded midseason table.
