This Saturday, fans of Mexican football will be treated to one of the Liga MX’s most iconic rivalries: Club América vs. Cruz Azul, a match famously known as El Clásico Joven (The Young Derby). While it may not have the century-long history of other global derbies, the intensity, drama, and high stakes that accompany this matchup have made it a must-watch event in the Mexican football calendar.
In the United States, the game will be broadcast on CBS Sports (English), TUDN and Universo (Spanish). All coverage starts at 11:00pm ET.
A Clash of League Leaders
Heading into the weekend, both teams find themselves in strong positions. Club América sits second in the table with 27 points, while Cruz Azul follows closely in fourth with 25. With the playoffs (Liguilla) fast approaching, the outcome of this clash could have serious implications for seeding and momentum. This is more than just a derby—it’s a critical test for two teams with championship aspirations.
When looking at recent history, it’s hard not to give América the edge. The memory of the dramatic 2013 final still lingers in the minds of both sets of fans. That unforgettable night saw Cruz Azul leading by two goals until the 80th minute, only for América to mount a miraculous comeback, leveling the match and eventually lifting the title in a penalty shootout. For América fans, it was a legendary triumph. For Cruz Azul, a painful chapter in a long history of near-misses.
Popular & Polarizing
Beyond the pitch, both clubs carry enormous weight in terms of popularity and polarization. According to the 2025 Mitofsky survey, Club América boasts the largest fanbase in Mexico, with 21% of fans supporting Las Águilas. Cruz Azul is not far behind, with 14%, making them the third most-supported club in the country, trailing only Guadalajara. These numbers underscore just how much this match means—not just to the fans of the clubs involved, but to the broader footballing public.
Interestingly, both teams are also among the most disliked in the country—a reflection of their success, visibility, and controversial moments. The same Mitofsky survey revealed that 46% of fans view América as the “most hated” team in Mexico, while Cruz Azul received that label from 8% of respondents. While “hate” may be too strong a word in the context of sports, it does highlight the passion and emotion these clubs generate across fan bases.
That dual identity—loved by many, disliked by many more—makes this derby especially compelling. It’s a match that fans of the teams eagerly await, and one that neutral supporters watch with curiosity, hoping for drama, goals, and controversy.
Every Point Matters
As Saturday approaches, anticipation continues to build. With only a few matches remaining before the playoffs, every point matters. For América, a win could potentially push them to the top of the standings. For Cruz Azul, victory would not only be sweet revenge but also a crucial boost in the playoff race.
One thing is certain: when El Clásico Joven kicks off, the eyes of Mexican football will be firmly fixed on the Estadio Azteca. And as history has shown, anything can happen.
