If you just look at the trophies, Club América vs Mazatlán shouldn't even be a conversation. On one side, you have the winningest club in Mexican history. The "Águilas." A team that lives and breathes pressure. On the other, you have a franchise that’s still finding its soul in the port of Sinaloa after moving from Morelia just a few years ago.
But football is weird.
Last time these two met in October 2025, everyone expected a blowout. Instead, we got a 2-2 thriller that left André Jardine looking like he’d aged five years in ninety minutes. It was messy. It was loud. And honestly, it showed why the "Gunners" (Mazatlán) are becoming a massive thorn in América's side.
The Chaos of the Recent 2-2 Draw
Let’s talk about that October 25 night. Most pundits had América winning by three. Early on, it looked like they were right. Kevin Álvarez scored in the 9th minute, and you could almost hear the collective "here we go again" from the Mazatlán crowd.
Then the script flipped.
Former América man Bryan Colula—because it’s always an ex-player, isn't it?—leveled it at 17 minutes. Suddenly, the Estadio El Encanto felt like a pressure cooker. Mauro Zaleta actually put Mazatlán ahead before halftime with a strike that Luis Malagón probably still sees in his nightmares.
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América looked gassed. They looked mortal.
It took a moment of pure magic from Brian Rodríguez in the 89th minute to save a point. A free kick. Top corner. Total heartbreak for the home fans. That’s the thing about Club América vs Mazatlán; the talent gap is huge, but the "nothing to lose" energy from the coast usually levels the playing field.
Why the Giants Struggle With the Underdogs
It’s easy to say América was just having an off night. But if you look at the stats, Mazatlán has been surprisingly disciplined lately. In that 2-2 draw, they weren't just parking the bus. They were clinical.
Mazatlán only had about 40% of the ball, yet they matched América for shots on target for most of the game. That’s efficiency. Jardine’s system relies on high-pressing and quick transitions, but Mazatlán’s coach managed to clog the midfield enough to make Álvaro Fidalgo look frustrated. Fidalgo eventually left that game with an injury, which really threw the Águilas off their rhythm.
Key Players Who Changed the Narrative
- Brian Rodríguez: He’s been the X-factor. Since renewing his contract, "El Rayito" has been playing like he has a point to prove.
- Allan Saint-Maximin: The Frenchman brought a level of chaos that Mazatlán didn't know how to handle once he came off the bench. His ability to draw three defenders at once is basically a cheat code in Liga MX.
- Ricardo Gutiérrez: The Mazatlán keeper. He made at least three saves in the final ten minutes that would have been goals against 90% of the other keepers in the league.
- Mauro Zaleta: A name people didn't know much about before, but his long-range goal proved that Mazatlán’s scouting is finally starting to click.
What History Tells Us (And Why It Lies)
If you’re a betting person, the historical record for Club América vs Mazatlán looks like a slaughter. Before the recent draws, América was putting up five goals a game against them. In April 2025, it was 5-0. In November 2024, it was another 5-0.
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It felt like a ritual sacrifice.
But the gap is closing. Maybe it’s the humidity in Mazatlán. Maybe it’s the fact that smaller teams play their "World Cup Final" every time they face the yellow and blue kit. Either way, the days of assuming an easy three points for the Águilas are probably over.
Looking Ahead: The March 2026 Rematch
Mark your calendars for March 15, 2026. That’s the next time these two face off in the Clausura 2026 season.
This one is going to be different. It’s back at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes (or the Azteca, depending on the renovation status) in Mexico City. The altitude usually kills the coastal teams. Mazatlán will have to deal with thin air and 30,000 screaming fans who expect nothing less than a demolition.
Currently, the standings have América sitting in the middle of the pack—around 10th place—while Mazatlán is languishing near 14th. Both teams are desperate. América needs to prove they’re still the kings of the continent, and Mazatlán needs to prove they aren't just a "vacation destination" for the big clubs.
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Tactically, what should we expect?
Expect Jardine to go heavy on the wings. With Rodrigo Aguirre and Saint-Maximin, América wants to stretch the pitch. Mazatlán will likely play a 5-4-1, trying to survive the first 20 minutes without conceding. If they can get to halftime at 0-0, the frustration in the stands will start to help the visitors.
Facts That Most Fans Miss
- The Colula Connection: Bryan Colula has become a specific nightmare for his former club. He knows the defensive tendencies of the América backline better than almost anyone.
- The Injury Bug: América’s depth is their greatest strength, but recent matches have shown they struggle when Fidalgo or Malagón are less than 100%.
- The Travel Factor: Mazatlán to Mexico City is a brutal turnaround. The "Gunners" often look sluggish in the second half when playing at altitude.
Practical Steps for Following the Rivalry
If you’re trying to keep up with the next edition of Club América vs Mazatlán, don't just check the final score.
Watch the first 15 minutes of the second half. That’s where the tactical shifts happen. Keep an eye on the injury reports for Diego Valdés; when he’s healthy, América is a different beast. Also, check the weather. If it’s raining in the capital, the slick pitch favors the technical speed of América’s attackers.
Get your tickets early if you're in Mexico City. Even though Mazatlán isn't a "Clásico" rival like Chivas or Pumas, the tickets sell out because fans love to see if an upset is brewing. It’s the unpredictability that keeps us coming back.
Follow the lineup announcements exactly one hour before kickoff. If Jardine rests his starters for a midweek CONCACAF game, Mazatlán has a genuine shot at an upset. If the full "A-team" is out there, it’s going to be a long night for the visitors from Sinaloa.