A new chapter between the Rebaño Sagrado and La Fiera is coming, Chivahermanos! This Sunday, Guadalajara will visit León in a Matchweek 16 showdown of the Apertura 2026, adding another chapter to a rivalry filled with memorable moments throughout the years.
From unforgettable wins and titles that made history to statistical milestones and trophy-winning performances on León’s home turf, here are six moments worth revisiting before both teams meet again.
1. The first official meeting ended in a dominant Chivas victory
The history between these two clubs began in the 1944 Cup tournament, when Guadalajara visited León at Parque Patria. That first official meeting ended in a commanding 6-1 victory for the Rojiblancos, with Max Prieto stealing the spotlight by scoring a hat trick.
2. The Copa Challenger, the beginning of a historic rivalry
One of the episodes that fueled the rivalry between these two teams was the battle for the Copa Challenger, a trophy awarded to the first club to win three consecutive League titles or five titles in alternating seasons.
León came very close to claiming the trophy, having won the championships in the 1947-48, 1948-49, 1952-53 and 1955-56 seasons. However, Guadalajara made its mark after winning its first League title in the 1956-57 campaign and then securing three consecutive championships in the 1958-59, 1959-60 and 1960-61 seasons. That achievement earned the club the trophy and cemented its status as Mexico’s one and only Campeonísimo.
3. Guadalajara’s 500th League victory came with a remarkable rout
During the first half of the 1982-83 season, the Rebaño Sagrado delivered one of its most dominant performances against León, earning a 6-0 victory at home. Jaime Pajarito scored twice, while Sergio Lugo, Samuel ‘Samy’ Rivas, Javier ‘Hijín’ Cárdenas and Ricardo ‘Snoopy’ Pérez also found the back of the net. Beyond the emphatic scoreline, the result carried special significance, as it marked Guadalajara’s 500th victory in the regular season of Mexico’s top-flight championship.
4. The Rebaño Sagrado roared once again on León’s home turf
In the Invierno 98 tournament, Guadalajara once again showcased its offensive firepower against La Fiera, this time on its home turf in Guanajuato. The Rojiblancos claimed a commanding 5-1 victory, with Ramón Ramírez leading the way thanks to a brace. Ricardo Peláez, Jesús Arellano and Alberto Coyote also got on the scoresheet to complete another memorable rout.
5. Oswaldo Alanís led Chivas to a Copa MX title at León’s home ground
One of the most special memories for the Nación Rojiblanca came in the 2015 Apertura Copa MX Final. In a match played in the World Capital of Footwear, Guadalajara found its breakthrough through a set-piece opportunity. Oswaldo Alanís rose to meet the ball with a powerful header that found the back of the net, securing a 1-0 victory for the Rebaño, the trophy and another memorable title in the club’s history.
6. Chivas matched a historic home defensive record
The most recent entry on this list also gave Guadalajara an important place in the club’s record books. In Matchweek 8 of the Apertura 2024, the Rebaño defeated León 2-0, matching a historic club record: seven consecutive home matches without conceding a goal, a feat previously achieved in 1965 and 1972.
During that streak, Guadalajara kept clean sheets against Querétaro, América, Mazatlán, Juárez, Toluca twice and León, reinforcing its defensive strength at Estadio AKRON.
