After Nearly 40 Years, América, Chivas to Renew 'Clásico Nacional' Rivalry in CONCACAF Champions Cup

SEATTLE - A rivalry as old as time, Chivas and Club América will clash in March for a spot in the Quarterfinals of this year's CONCACAF Champions Cup, as both Mexican clubs were paired up for a two-legged clash in the competition for the first time since 1985.

Throughout history, Chivas and América have faced each other 251 times in all competitions, including friendlies but this one will be different. During the 1985 CONCACAF Champions Cup, América defeated Chivas 4-2 on aggregate to advance to the second round of the tournament, it remains as the last time both Liga MX teams have faced each other at this continental competition, almost 40 years ago.

Since their first game in February of 1932, Chivas-América games have characterized themselves as some of the most entertaining games of the Mexican soccer calendar. This one won't be any different, with both teams currently sitting at the top half of the table in Liga MX.

Between March 6 and March 13, 'Rojiblancos' and 'Azulcremas' will face off a total of three times: two in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the other one their scheduled matchday 12 clash in Liga MX. It will be a key two-week period for Chivas, as they look to get rid of the hold their archrivals have had on them in the last 11 games. Since 2021, América has won eight of the 11 'Clásicos' in all competitions, including three friendlies played in the United States. Out of those 11 games, Chivas managed to win only one of them, a 3-1 win over the 'Águilas' en-route to the Clausura 2023 final.

Even though the rivalry has been dominated by the 'Azulcremas' in recent years, the historical matchup remains pretty balanced. In 251 games, América has won 94 of the games to Chivas' 78, along with 79 draws.

In the 92-year history of Mexico's 'Clásico Nacional', the biggest margin of victory between the two most popular teams in Mexico came during the 34th edition, with Guadalajara giving América a 7-0 loss during the 1956-57 Liga MX season. That campaign was extra special for Chivas fans, as their team was crowned Mexican champions for the first time in club history. That year also signaled the start of the golden years of Guadalajara, winning seven league titles over the span of nine seasons.

Even though Chivas might have a historical advantage over América in Liga MX head-to-head, the 'Águilas' have a positive record against their archrivals in pretty much every other competition. Including just cup competitions, América holds a positive record of 11-3-9 W-L-D, including that 1985 CONCACAF Champions Cup tie in which América emerged victorious.

Having three Chivas-América in the span of just a few weeks is something unusual even though both teams have faced each other plenty of times in the league playoffs. In fact, the last time both teams had to play each other three or more times within a span of one month was actually almost 40 years ago, when they clashed in both the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 1985 and in the Quarterfinal round of the 1984-85 'Liguilla,' with América winning three of the four matches.