Club América 2-2 Guadalajara: El Clásico Nacional Ends All Square in Liga MX Thriller

Club América and Guadalajara played out a 2-2 draw in Liga MX on Sunday, September 20, 2026, as El Clásico Nacional produced another dramatic chapter at the Estadio Azteca. In a match that swung between control and chaos, both sides traded blows, created clear chances, and ultimately had to settle for a point in the Apertura 2026 race.

The result keeps Club América and Guadalajara in the thick of the Liga MX standings conversation. For América, it was a frustrating afternoon of missed opportunities after twice taking the lead. For Chivas, the draw represented a show of resilience and a valuable away point in Mexico’s most intense rivalry.

Match Overview

Club América began the match with the authority expected of the home side. Pressing high and using the width of the Estadio Azteca pitch, Las Águilas forced Guadalajara into early defensive work. The opening goal arrived in the 18th minute when Henry Martín rose powerfully to meet a curling cross from Alejandro Zendejas, sending a header past Raúl Rangel.

Guadalajara responded with composure rather than panic. Chivas began to find space between América’s midfield and defense, and their persistence paid off in the 34th minute. Roberto Alvarado converted from the penalty spot after a foul on Cade Cowell, leveling the score and silencing the home crowd for a moment.

América regained the lead in the 58th minute through Zendejas, who cut inside from the right and drilled a low left-footed shot into the far corner. It looked like the decisive moment, but Guadalajara had other ideas. In the 79th minute, Cowell finished off a rapid counterattack, racing onto a through ball and slotting calmly past Luis Malagón to make it 2-2.

Key Moments

• 18’ – Club América 1-0: Henry Martín heads home an Alejandro Zendejas cross.
• 34’ – Club América 1-1: Roberto Alvarado converts a penalty for Guadalajara after a foul on Cade Cowell.
• 58’ – Club América 2-1: Zendejas curls a low shot beyond Raúl Rangel.
• 79’ – Club América 2-2: Cowell finishes a counterattack to rescue a point for Chivas.
• 90+3’ – Late chance: América’s final corner is cleared as Guadalajara survives a tense finish.

Tactical Story

Club América lined up with a familiar 4-2-3-1 shape, using Zendejas and Diego Valdés to overload the half-spaces. Their plan was clear: dominate possession, pin Chivas back, and feed Henry Martín in the box. For large stretches, it worked. América circulated the ball well and created enough chances to win the match.

Guadalajara, meanwhile, were comfortable without the ball. Chivas sat in a compact 4-3-3, invited pressure, and looked to spring forward through Alvarado’s creativity and Cowell’s pace. Their equalizer came from exactly that formula, and their late goal was a perfect example of the counterattacking threat they carried all afternoon.

The midfield battle was particularly absorbing. Erick Gutiérrez helped Chivas keep their shape and transition quickly, while América’s double pivot tried to control the tempo. In the end, neither side could fully impose its will for 90 minutes, which is why the scoreline finished level.

Standout Players

Henry Martín was a constant reference point for Club América. His movement in the box created the opener, and he remained a threat in the air throughout. Alejandro Zendejas was arguably the most influential attacker on the pitch, combining the cross for the first goal with a well-taken finish for the second.

For Guadalajara, Roberto Alvarado drove the team forward with intelligent runs and calm penalty-box composure. Cade Cowell was a menace on the break, winning the penalty and scoring the late equalizer. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel also made important saves to keep Chivas within reach before the comeback was complete.

Liga MX Standings and Season Impact

The draw adds one point to each club’s Liga MX standings total, and in the context of the Apertura 2026 playoff race, every point matters. Club América remain in the conversation for a top-four finish and a favorable Liguilla seed, but they will rue dropping two points at home after leading twice.

Guadalajara, on the other hand, will view the result as a positive away performance against their biggest rival. Chivas showed character to come from behind and will carry confidence into their next fixtures as they push for a strong regular-season position.

With the top scorers in Liga MX beginning to separate themselves, both clubs will also be looking for more consistent production in the final third. América have the fire