Recent editions of Mexico’s Super Clásico have featured one of Chivas de Guadalajara and Club America in a drastically different position than the other, with America dominating the very recent years. But Miguel Herrera has left to coach the Mexican national side and “El Turco” Antonio Mohamed hasn’t quite taken up where he’s left off and Chivas is enjoying a mini-resurgence.
Chivas Guadalajara vs. Club America: Preview and TV schedule
Mexico’s biggest rivalry could send one of Chivas and America heading to the Liguilla and one tumbling down the table.
Brian Bahr
The two sides are separated by just one place in the table and no points, with America ahead of Chivas by just one on goal differential. America currently occupies the final Liguilla playoff spot, with Chivas on the outside looking in. A win could vault either side all the way up into fifth, but nearly everyone is in the Liguilla race, with just seven points separating Mexico’s two biggest clubs from the bottom of the table. A loss could be potentially devastating for either team.
America is in poor form, taking just two points from their last three matches even though they played two of those at home. They lost at Estadio Azteca to Santos Laguna three rounds ago and are coming off back-to-back draws, the most recent against second-bottom side Veracruz. Chivas are in slightly better form, but they’re dealing with some off-the-field issues.
Sunday’s Super Clásico is the second derby in as many weeks for Chivas, and last week’s ended in ugly fashion. Conceding in the second half to drop points against Atlas quickly became an afterthought when Chivas supporters brawled with police at the end of the match, sending multiple officers to the hospital. Some fan groups have been banned from Estadio Omnilife for this game, but the police and stadium staff will still be on full alert.
“Maza” Francisco Rodriguez has not played for America since he was sent off against Pumas and could make his return, though Mohamed has the central defenders to play a back three without him. Fullback Adrian Aldrete is injured, so Miguel Layun will likely be inserted into the lineup. The only player missing for Chivas is Jesus Sanchez, who last played against Puebla on February 9. Chivas has been playing Carlos Fierro at right forward in his absence.
Match date/time: Sunday, 8 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Omnilife, Guadalajara, Mexico
TV: Univision Deportes (U.S.)
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