A rivalry defined by identity and two completely different ways of seeing life. El Clásico de México is about much more than three points: it’s passion, pride and history between the two biggest antagonists in Mexican soccer. And this Saturday’s showdown at Estadio AKRON, part of Matchday 6 of the Clausura 2026, will be no exception.
Over the years, Guadalajara has written unforgettable pages that remain etched in the memory of the Chivahermanos… and in América’s fanbase too. With a new chapter set to unfold this Saturday night at La Fortaleza Rojiblanca, here’s a look at five moments that best represent the character and greatness of El Rebaño in this rivalry.
The day the ‘Tigre’ Sepúlveda legend was born
Guadalajara, fresh off their sixth league title, and América, the Copa México champions, experienced their first major clash in 1964 in the Campeón de Campeones Final, which Chivas won 2-0 in Mexico City. That day, Guillermo Sepúlveda was sent off after an altercation with Alfonso Portugal. As he walked off the pitch, he took off his jersey and threw it onto the field in front of América’s bench while shouting, “That’s enough for you…,” a moment that ignited tempers. The ‘Tigre’s’ gesture became a powerful symbol of the dominance the legendary “Campeonísimo” held over the capital side.
An epic comeback in the Rojiblanco capital
Years later, in the 1995-96 season, Guadalajara delivered an epic comeback in what would be the final long-format tournament in Mexican soccer. Down 2-0 against their fiercest rival on Matchday 26, El Rebaño stormed back to win 3-2. Just before halftime, Guillermo Hernández headed one home to spark the rally, and in the second half goals from ‘Gusano’ Nápoles and ‘Nacho’ Vázquez completed the turnaround. There was even a curious twist the day before the match: when the team arrived at their hotel, a wedding was taking place. Head coach Leo Beenhakker took it as a good omen, joking, “We’ve already won. In Europe, these events bring good luck.”
The ‘Manita’ in Guadalajara
During the Invierno 96 tournament, Las Súper Chivas handed América a resounding 5-0 thrashing at Estadio Jalisco. An early goal from Ramón Ramírez set the tone and allowed Guadalajara to control the match from start to finish. Frustration boiled over for América, as Luis García was sent off for a reckless tackle on Joel Sánchez. With goals from Sergio Pacheco, ‘Tilón’ Chávez and a brace from ‘Gabi’ García, El Rebaño sealed one of the most emphatic wins in Clásico history.
Welcome to Estadio AKRON!
The first Clásico de México at Chivas’ new home also became a statement night. On Matchday 13 of the Clausura 2011, Guadalajara dominated América 3-0. José Luis Real’s squad outplayed Carlos Reinoso’s side in every aspect, and goals from ‘Cubo’ Torres along with a Marco Fabián brace turned the evening into a celebration at La Fortaleza Rojiblanca.
Happy Centenario!
And finally, there was América’s centennial celebration in the Apertura 2016 — a party Chivas crashed in unforgettable fashion. On Matchday 7 at Estadio Azteca, Guadalajara delivered a commanding 3-0 win. The connection between ‘Cone’ Brizuela and Eduardo López proved lethal, as Brizuela scored twice off assists from ‘Chofis,’ while ‘Gullit’ Peña added the finishing touch with a header from — who else — the ‘Cone.’ A milestone night that ended up being remembered very differently on each side of the rivalry.
