It’s personal. When you talk about Club America vs Chivas Femenil, you aren't just talking about twenty-two players chasing a ball for ninety minutes. You’re talking about a rivalry that feels like it’s been simmering since the dawn of time, even though the women’s league is still relatively young.
Honestly, the energy in the stands at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes or the Akron is just different. It’s louder. It’s meaner. It’s better.
The most recent chapters in 2025 and heading into the 2026 Clausura have been nothing short of a fever dream for fans. If you missed the Apertura 2025 semifinals, you basically missed the defining moment of the year. America absolutely dismantled Chivas with a 2-0 win in the first leg, and they didn't look back. Kimberly Rodriguez—who is basically a wall at this point—found the net, and Scarlett Camberos showed everyone why she’s the heart of that midfield.
Why the Clásico Nacional Femenil hits different
Most people assume the women's version of the Clásico is just a copy-paste of the men's rivalry. They're wrong. While the men's game often feels bogged down by cautious tactics, the women's Clásico is usually a track meet.
Take the historical stats. As of early 2026, Club America has a commanding lead in the head-to-head record with 13 wins compared to Chivas' 4. There have been 6 draws.
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But stats are liars. They don't tell you about the 2025 matches where Chivas looked like they were going to pull off an upset only to have Kiana Palacios—who has scored over 85 goals for the Águilas—crush their hopes in the 89th minute.
The Power Shift in 2026
Coming into the Clausura 2026, things are getting weird. Chivas has been busy. They brought in Antonio Contreras to steady the ship, and they’ve been poaching talent. The addition of Cristina Ferral and Jasmine Casarez has given them a grit they lacked last season.
América, meanwhile, is under the tactical thumb of Angel Villacampa. They play this suffocating high-press game that makes opponents feel like they’re drowning.
- Sandra Paños is still the best keeper in the league, period.
- Alicia Cervantes (Licha) is the only person who can seemingly score against America at will.
- The midfield battle between Scarlett Camberos and Carolina Jaramillo is basically a chess match played at 100 mph.
What most people get wrong about the rivalry
There's this weird misconception that America is just "buying" titles while Chivas relies on "pure Mexican talent." While Chivas does stick to their tradition of only Mexican players (and some dual nationals like Samantha López), America’s success isn't just about the checkbook.
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It’s about their structure. They’ve built a revolving door of elite talent. When Sarah Luebbert is on the pitch, the wings are a nightmare for defenders.
I was looking at the recent standings from mid-January 2026. Both teams are sitting in the top 8, but they’ve both had slow starts with draws against teams like Tijuana and Cruz Azul. It’s like they’re saving all their energy for the big one on February 22.
Key Matchups to Watch
- The Licha Cervantes Factor: She’s the captain for a reason. If she gets a yard of space, it’s over.
- The Spanish Connection: America's Irene Guerrero and Bruna Vilamala bring a level of European tactical awareness that is honestly unfair at times.
- The Fullbacks: Karen Luna for America is probably the most underrated player in the country. Her overlapping runs are what create the space for Palacios.
The 2025 Semifinal Scars
You can't talk about the current state of Club America vs Chivas Femenil without mentioning the 2025 Liguilla. Chivas fans are still bitter. They felt the officiating was shaky, but let's be real: America was just faster.
The 4-1 aggregate scoreline was a reality check. It showed that while Chivas can compete in the regular season, America has a "playoff mode" that is terrifying.
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"We don't just play to win; we play to humiliate them," is a sentiment I’ve heard from the more hardcore Americanista fans. It’s a bit much, sure, but it captures the vibe.
What to expect on February 22, 2026
Mark your calendar. The Round 10 clash in the Clausura is the one everyone is circling. Chivas will be at home.
By then, the new signings for the Rebaño should be fully integrated. If Jasmine Casarez can find her rhythm with Licha, we might actually see the tide turn. But if America’s defense—led by the ever-reliable Kimberly Rodriguez—stays healthy, it’s going to be a long night for the Guadalajara faithful.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the first 15 minutes: America usually tries to score early to kill the crowd’s spirit. If Chivas survives the first quarter-hour, the game becomes a toss-up.
- Keep an eye on the subs: Villacampa loves to bring on Aylín Aviléz late. She’s a "chaos factor" player who thrives when defenders are tired.
- Check the weather: If it rains in Zapopan, the fast-paced turf at the Akron becomes a literal slip-and-slide, which favors Chivas’ more physical style over America’s finesse.
The reality is that this rivalry is the crown jewel of Liga MX Femenil. It’s where legends are made and where players like Blanca Félix became household names. Whether you’re wearing yellow or red and white, you know that for 90 minutes, nothing else in the world matters.
Next Steps for the Die-Hard Fan:
- Monitor the injury report for Kiana Palacios and Bruna Vilamala as the February 22nd date approaches.
- Review the historical head-to-head goal counts; Alicia Cervantes is closing in on a record that could be broken in this very fixture.
- Secure tickets at least three weeks in advance, as the Clásico Nacional is the only Femenil match that consistently sells out the lower bowl of the Akron.