The Clasico Nacional will be renewed as Chivas of Guadalajara takes on Club America at Omnilife Stadium, marking the 227th time these teams have met. The rivalry is rife with history and social identities that sometimes go beyond the game. Chivas holds itself as the “team of the people,” employing a rule that only Mexican Nationals can be part of the team.
The rivalry is so huge more than 7.8 million viewers watched their playoff series in May of 2016, making the rivalry the most watched club football match in the United States. While America is seen as the flashy team, using their money from entertainment giant Televisa to sign the best players regardless of nationality.
Lately the rivalry has been one sided as Chivas only beat America once last year in seven games and just twice in their last 13 games. While both teams have combined to win the most trophies in Liga MX history, it’s America that has been holding up their end more than Chivas.
Our prediction for #ClasicoNacional, Mexico’s most intense rivalry. Watch #ligamxeng in English via @UnivisionSports https://t.co/Gob8Bohudz pic.twitter.com/7AqFfY9NTV
— Sportify (@sportifyio) February 18, 2017
Chivas hasn’t won a Liguilla tournament Winter or Spring since 2006, whereas America is in a golden age of sorts winning two Liguilla tournaments since 2013 and two continental titles winning the CONCACAF Champions League last two years in a row.
Under Matias Almeyda Chivas has improved finally raising a trophy – the Copa MX in 2015, after a few years threatening their first regulation in franchise history.
The new year means the pressure has been ramped up as both teams will be seeking a win in their first meeting of the year. Going into the game Almeyda’s team is playing good football coming off a 1-0 Clasico Tapatio win over Guadalajara rivals Atlas.
Meanwhile America’s coach Ricardo La Volpe is embattled as the team which played in the winter 2016 Liguilla Final has struggled in 2017. Currently America is in 13th place in the Liga MX table outside the playoff tournament zone. At their last two home games their demanding fans have shouted for La Volpe’a dismissal.
Whatever the outcome the Clasico Nacional will surely play out as it always does, the biggest game that everyone will be watching. America versus Chivas will be the first Liga MX match to be streamed on Facebook in English per an agreement with Univision.
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