El Clasico Explodes: Chivas and America Battle for Liga MX Supremacy—Complete Match Preview and Bold Predictions
The most anticipated match of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 regular season unfolds on Saturday evening as table-toppers Chivas welcome their fierce adversaries Club América for another installment of El Clásico Nacional.
No other rivalry in Liga MX matches the heritage, fervor and ferocity of "The National Derby." Chivas and América represent the nation's two most prominent clubs, command the largest supporter bases and possess 12 league championships between them—making them the most successful franchises in the division's history.
América have maintained superiority over their adversaries in recent years, but circumstances have shifted in recent months. Under head coach Gabriel Milito, Chivas claimed victory in the latest derby encounter in September and have suffered only three defeats in 17 matches since, approaching Saturday's showdown as Clausura leaders with an unblemished record across five fixtures.
Following a sluggish campaign opening, América have returned to resembling genuine championship contenders once more. André Jardine's squad have secured back-to-back league victories, including an impressive display against formidable Monterrey last weekend. Traveling to Chivas' fortress to disrupt their flawless run would establish Las Águilas' credentials as a formidable opponent going forward.
On a day designated for celebrating love and devotion, Chivas and América will reignite their fierce rivalry at the Estadio AKRON, and here's Sport's Illustrated's comprehensive preview of the encounter.
What Time Does Chivas vs. Club América Kick-Off?
What Time Does Chivas vs. Club América Kick-Off?
Chivas vs. América Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Chivas vs. América Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Chivas (WWWWW) | América (DWWWD) |
|---|---|
Mazatlán 1–2 Chivas | América 0–0 CD Olimpia |
Atlético San Luis 2–3 Chivas | América 1–0 Monterrey |
Chivas 2–1 Querétaro | CD Olimpia1–2 América |
FC Juárez 0–1 Chivas | América 2–0 Necaxa |
Chivas 2–0 Pachuca | Pachuca 0–0 América |
How to Watch Chivas vs. Club América on TV
How to Watch Chivas vs. Club América on TV
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Telemundo, UNIVERSO |
Mexico | Amazon Prime Video |
Chivas Team News
Chivas Team News
Chivas have excelled using Milito's favored 3-4-2-1 formation, but arguably the most crucial player for that system's success, Luis Romo, will almost definitely be absent from the match after sustaining a muscle injury in their previous outing.
Romo operates at the center of the defensive trio, but advances into midfield when in possession and proves equally impactful in offensive phases as he does defensively. Milito will likely call upon Diego Campillo to fill in for the sidelined Mexico international.
The talented Mexican national team trio of Brian Gutiérrez, Richard Ledezma and Roberto Alvarado will maintain their exceptional partnership along the right wing, attempting to provide El Tri striker Armando González with opportunities, as the forward seeks to add to his four-goal tally this season and become the decisive factor against América for consecutive matches.
Chivas Predicted Lineup vs. Club América (3-4-2-1)
Chivas Predicted Lineup vs. Club América (3-4-2-1)
Chivas predicted lineup vs. Club América (3-4-2-1): Rangel; Aguirre, Campillo, Castillo; Ledezma, Gutiérrez, Govea, González; Alvarado, Álvarez; González
Club América Team News
Club América Team News
When questioned whether the fixture against Chivas would present a challenging encounter, star winger Brian Rodríguez simply responded: "Yes, for them."
The Uruguayan international has grounds for such confidence. América's offensive unit, while not as prolific, has appeared threatening in recent weeks. Now, winter acquisition Raphael Veiga could earn his inaugural start, bringing additional attacking prowess to América's front line that will be spearheaded by veteran striker Henry Martín.
However, the most encouraging development for Jardine and América is the resurgence of U.S. men's national team standout Alejandro Zendejas. He netted the decisive goal for América seven days ago, and he's renowned for elevating his performance even further against Chivas, his childhood team.
Additionally, Jonathan dos Santos continues to improve with age and will stabilize the midfield. Between the posts, Luis Malagón will seek to overshadow his rival Raúl Rangel, as both competing goalkeepers are engaged in a personal contest to become Mexico's first-choice keeper for the 2026 World Cup.
Club América Predicted Lineup vs. Chivas (4-2-3-1)
Club América Predicted Lineup vs. Chivas (4-2-3-1)
Club América predicted lineup vs. Chivas (4-2-3-1): Malagón; Álvarez, Reyes, Cáceres, Borja; Dourado, Dos Santos; Zendejas, Veiga, Rodríguez; Martín
Score Prediction
Score Prediction
Current momentum typically becomes irrelevant in El Clásico Nacional, so despite Chivas enjoying home advantage, superior recent performances and being heavy favorites, América possesses sufficient talent to surprise their opponents.
Both sides will attempt to dictate possession as they prefer controlling the tempo. This, combined with the intensity and determination characteristic of this rivalry, could result in a combative midfield battle featuring numerous infractions.
Nevertheless, both teams possess too much attacking quality to be neutralized for the full 90 minutes. América hold a marginal advantage in individual talent, but Chivas's greatest asset is their cohesion and mastery of Milito's tactical approach, which provides multiple opportunities to trouble defensive lines.
It may require patience but as the match progresses, action in both penalty boxes will intensify, with both rivals exchanging attacks until the final whistle. Ultimately, points will be divided in what promises to be an outstanding spectacle.
Prediction: Chivas 2–2 América