Mexico’s biggest soccer rivalry is back in Mexico City this weekend, as América and Chivas go head-to-head in the Clásico Nacional this Saturday at Estadio Banorte.
The historical numbers behind the Clásico Nacional reveal a remarkably balanced rivalry, with América and Chivas having faced each other 195 times in Liga MX. The record slightly favors the Águilas, who have 69 wins, while Chivas have 65. The other 61 matches ended in draws.
This Friday, América held a media session at its training facilities in Coapa, with two of the club’s leaders speaking to reporters: captain Henry Martín and Brian Rodríguez.
First up: Henry Martín
First up was Martín, the man wearing the captain’s armband and one of the biggest voices inside the dressing room. He is also the player who delivers the final words when the América squad gathers on the field before kickoff.
And this time, the message was pretty clear: América is not planning to give Chivas anything for free. The Águilas are also looking to knock their biggest rivals off the top of the table.
“We are very anxious and very eager to get this done and give our fans something to celebrate. We know we owe them that. We haven’t delivered enough in that area, so we can’t wait for tomorrow to arrive and get out onto the field. On top of that, we’re playing at home with our fans. Hopefully, they fill the stadium because, as I’ve always said, the support is essential. It puts pressure on the opposing team, while giving us the support and backing we need.”
Martín also made it clear that league position means very little once América and Chivas actually step onto the field.
“We’re calm because we know it doesn’t matter where you arrive in the standings. We also have a game in hand. It doesn’t matter where you arrive, because it’s a Clásico. We’ve arrived at these games very low in the table and very high in the table, and the result depends on what you do on the field. So it’s not about where you arrive, it’s about what we do tomorrow.”
The América captain explained that beating Chivas would be especially important for the team itself, particularly after going three games without a win — two defeats in the Leagues Cup and another loss in Liga MX against Cruz Azul.
“For us, it’s not about the message we send on the outside. It’s about what we have inside. Wins create confidence, they create consistency, they create even more unity between the fans, the coaching staff and the team. And I think that’s something we’re missing right now. They’re a great opponent, they’re playing very well, and what better way to build confidence and unity than by beating them at home, in front of our fans?”
Then came Brian Rodríguez
The Uruguayan is currently one of América’s biggest attacking threats and arguably the player in the best form for the Águilas. He has embraced the responsibility in front of goal, loves getting on the ball and taking defenders on, and has developed a strong connection with the América faithful after his impressive start to the season.
And then there is the small matter of the summer.
Rodríguez received interest from abroad, including an offer from Brazilian soccer and another from the Netherlands, with Ajax among the clubs linked with the winger. But instead of packing his bags and heading for Europe, Rodríguez chose to stay in Mexico and continue chasing a championship with América.
Now, with the Clásico Nacional arriving, he could be one of Guillermo Almada’s most important weapons.
The ‘Rayito’ also admitted that beating Chivas could provide América with a much-needed emotional boost after its recent struggles.
“Tomorrow is a game that cannot be lost. The pride of the entire country is at stake, with each team representing the Clásico Nacional. It’s a clásico, it’s a game completely separate from the rest of the tournament, and God willing, it will be a great spectacle.”
Rodríguez also showed respect for Chivas, who currently sit at the top of the Apertura 2026 table after an impressive tournament under Gabriel Milito.
“Without a doubt. I think they’ve been doing things well since last tournament. They’re very intense, they have good young players, really. So we’ll try to neutralize those strengths and, like I said, be strong in that area.”
And that is the beauty — and occasional insanity — of the Clásico Nacional.
Forget the table. Forget the recent form. Forget whatever happened last week.
For 90 minutes, América and Chivas have one job: beat the other guy.
Match Details
City: Mexico City
Stadium: Estadio Banorte
Date: Saturday, September 19
Kickoff: 11:15 p.m. ET / 8:15 p.m. PT
Watch or Stream: ViX Premium, TUDN and Univision
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Alejandro Orellana is an accomplished sports journalist based in Mexico City, known for his incisive coverage of Club América and the Mexican National Team. A graduate of Journalism from Escuela de Periodismo Carlos Septien García, Alejandro brings a deep understanding of sports media to his work. His expertise extends to SEO and content creation, allowing him to produce engaging and discoverable sports narratives. He has contributed as a freelance writer for Goal.com, where he notably conducted interviews with MLS players, further showcasing his comprehensive interviewing skills. Prior to this, Alejandro dedicated five years to ESPN’s production department, contributing to renowned shows including SportsCenter, Futbol Picante, and NFL Live. His insightful articles can be found on platforms such as Deportrece and Hooligan Soccer. Connect with Alejandro on @soyalexorellana and Tik Tok to stay updated with his latest work. His commitment to journalistic integrity ensures every piece offers valuable and trustworthy insights for sports enthusiasts.
