If you thought the Chivas vs America 2025 saga was going to be business as usual, you haven't been paying attention to the absolute chaos that was the last twelve months of Mexican football. We’ve seen red cards in the first minute of a second half, a 4-0 drubbing that felt like a funeral for Guadalajara fans, and then a sudden, gritty redemption in the Apertura that nobody—not even the most die-hard Chivahermano—truly saw coming.
It’s personal. It’s always personal. But in 2025, the Clásico Nacional moved beyond just "who has more trophies" and became a battle for the very soul of Liga MX.
The March Madness: When America Almost Broke Chivas
Let’s talk about that brutal stretch in March. It was basically a trilogy of terror for Guadalajara. They met three times in a single week. Can you imagine the stress levels in Zapopan?
First, Chivas actually gave us hope. They took a 1-0 lead in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. The Akron Stadium was rocking. People were saying, "Hey, maybe Gago’s system actually works against the big boys." Then came the second leg at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes on March 12, 2025.
It was a bloodbath.
America didn't just win; they dismantled them. Brian Rodríguez scored in the 6th minute. Then Diego Valdés. Then Alan Mozo—bless his heart—gets sent off just one minute into the second half. It was over. Alejandro Zendejas and Álvaro Fidalgo added more salt to the wound, ending it 4-0 (4-1 on aggregate). Honestly, it felt like America was playing a different sport that night. André Jardine looked like a tactical genius while Chivas looked like they'd forgotten how to pass a ball.
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But then, just four days later, they met again in the league. Everyone expected another blowout. Instead? A 0-0 draw. It was the most boring, tension-filled stalemate you’ve ever seen. Chivas basically parked the bus, the plane, and the stadium tractor in front of the goal just to stop the bleeding.
Chivas vs America 2025: The Shocking Apertura Turnaround
Fast forward to September 14, 2025. The Apertura season. This is where the Chivas vs America 2025 narrative flipped on its head.
America was sitting pretty in 2nd place. Chivas? They were rotting down in 16th. They looked pathetic. Gabriel Milito had taken over the reins, and the "Milito Out" hashtags were already trending before the bus even arrived at the stadium.
Then the whistle blew.
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- Roberto "Piojo" Alvarado decided he was the best player in North America for 90 minutes.
- Erick Gutiérrez controlled the midfield like he was back in his PSV days.
- Raúl Rangel made saves that defied the laws of physics.
Chivas won 2-1. In the 262nd edition of this rivalry, the underdog didn't just bark; they bit. Jardine had to stand in front of the microphones after the game and admit they needed a "big dose of humility." It was the kind of result that saves a manager's job and ruins a rival's month.
Why the Gap is Closing (Or Is It?)
Despite that 2-1 upset, the cold hard facts still favor the Águilas. If you look at the trophy cabinet at the end of 2025, America is still the king.
| Feature | Club América | Chivas de Guadalajara |
|---|---|---|
| Liga MX Titles | 16 | 12 |
| Recent Form (2025) | Dominant in ConcaChampions | Inconsistent but resilient |
| Manager | André Jardine (Tactical) | Gabriel Milito (Emotional/Gritty) |
Wait, I shouldn't use a table there. Basically, America has 16 titles. Chivas is stuck at 12, now tied with Toluca after the Diablos Rojos went on a tear. The gap isn't just about one game; it's about the era. America is built to win every year. Chivas is built on a philosophy of "Mexican players only," which is beautiful but, man, it makes recruitment a nightmare when your rivals can just go buy a Brian Rodríguez or an Álvaro Fidalgo.
The Weird Friendly in the Desert
We can't forget the October 11, 2025, match at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Yes, it was a "friendly," but try telling that to the 60,000 fans who showed up. It ended 1-1. It was basically a giant party with some soccer happening in the middle. These US matches are basically money-printing machines for both clubs, but they also show how global the Chivas vs America 2025 brand has become.
Even in a game that "didn't matter," people were throwing beer and screaming at the ref. That's the magic of it. Even when the stakes are zero, the pride is 100%.
What You Should Watch For Next
If you're following this rivalry into 2026, there are a few things that are gonna define the next chapter.
First, keep an eye on the health of Diego Valdés. When he’s on, America is unbeatable. When he’s out, they look mortal. For Chivas, it’s all about whether Milito can actually build a system around Cade Cowell and Piojo Alvarado. Cowell has the speed of a gazelle but sometimes the finishing of a... well, a guy who’s still learning.
Also, look at the transfer window. America is always linked with big names from Europe. Chivas is constantly trying to scout the next big Mexican talent before they head to the MLS.
Actionable Steps for the Fans
If you're planning to catch the next Chivas vs America 2025 or 2026 clash, do these things:
- Check the Venue: America has been bouncing around while the Azteca gets ready for the World Cup. Don't show up to an empty stadium. Most 2025 "home" games were at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.
- Streaming is a Mess: In Mexico, Prime Video has the Chivas rights. In the US, you're usually looking at Telemundo or Peacock. Don't wait until kickoff to realize your subscription expired.
- Watch the "Play-In": With the new Liga MX format, these two often meet in the postseason. The stakes there are 10x higher than a regular season match.
- Ignore the Table: As we saw in September 2025, the standings mean nothing. A 16th-place Chivas can beat a 2nd-place America any day of the week.
The rivalry is healthy. It's bitter. It's exactly what Mexican soccer needs. Whether you wear the yellow or the red and white, 2025 proved that this fixture is still the only one that truly stops the country.
Ensure you have your streaming credentials verified at least 24 hours before any Clásico match, as high-traffic events often cause login delays on platforms like Prime Video and Peacock. Monitor the official Liga MX injury reports specifically for muscle fatigue issues in multi-competition weeks to predict lineup rotations.