The history of Guadalajara in Liga MX postseason play features several unforgettable chapters written at Estadio Azteca, where Chivas will look to add another one this Wednesday in the first leg of the Clausura 2026 Semifinals against Cruz Azul.
There are 3 recent memories that immediately come to mind for the Chivahermanos in the Capital Rojiblanca, who were part of those magical nights and will surely look to create another unforgettable atmosphere this time around. Here’s a look back at those iconic moments that remain etched in the collective memory of the Rojiblanca faithful.
Clausura 2006 (Semifinal Second Leg) / América 0-0 Chivas (Aggregate: Chivas 2-0 América)
On their road to the club’s eleventh title, Guadalajara faced its fiercest rival in an epic series in which Chivas clearly outplayed América. After winning the first leg 2-0 thanks to goals from Ramón Morales and Omar Bravo, Guadalajara stepped onto the Estadio Azteca pitch with authority and completely neutralized Las Águilas in a commanding performance in Mexico City.
Apertura 2020 (Quarterfinal Second Leg) / América 1-2 Chivas (Aggregate: Chivas 3-1 América)
That night, the Rebaño Sagrado made the Coloso de Santa Úrsula shake with the unforgettable “Chicotazos.” In the first leg in Guadalajara, Cristian Calderón gave Chivas a narrow victory, and he repeated the feat in Mexico City, scoring in the 30th and 71st minutes to send the Capital Rojiblanca into celebration mode.
Clausura 2023 (Semifinal Second Leg) / América 1-3 Chivas (Aggregate: Chivas 3-2 América)
Chivas’ most recent postseason victory at Estadio Azteca came under the guidance of Veljko Paunovic, who led a team that combined heart and quality soccer while patiently working the match until finding the goals it needed. The Rebaño Sagrado arrived at the Azteca knowing it needed a two-goal win to eliminate its archrival—and it delivered. In the 75th minute, Alan Mozo made it 2-1, and moments before the final whistle, Gilberto “Chiquete” Sepúlveda rose inside the box and powered home a decisive header that sent Chivahermanos in the stands into absolute madness.
The Rojiblanco Note…
There is also a more recent precedent in Copa MX… During the 2016 Copa MX campaign, Chivas eliminated América in the Semifinals at the Coloso de Santa Úrsula. That night, the match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, but in the penalty shootout Antonio “Toño” Rodríguez became the hero by saving Osmar Mares’ penalty, sending the Rebaño Sagrado to the Final.
