🔟 facts you should know before the Clásico Nacional | OneFootball

We are growing ever closer to one of the most-anticipated Clásico de Clásicos in some time and there is a lot riding on this contest.

América and Chivas will meet on Saturday, 19 September in the 11th round of the 2020 Guard1anes tournament, with both sides needing a win to get closer to clinching a top-four place and a first-round bye in this season’s Liguilla.

Here are 10 things you should know prior to kickoff:

1. Behind closed doors

Due to the coronavirus pandemic in Mexico, América and Chivas will face off behind closed doors for the second time in history.

The first time was back in 1986 after Carlos Hermosillo and Fernando Quirarte came to blows, resulting in the match being suspended in the 72nd minute.

It was the first time in the history of professional football that all 22 players on the pitch were handed red cards. The game resumed a few days later without an audience.

2. Vucetich’s first Clásico Nacional

Despite being one of the most decorated managers in the history of Mexican football, this will be Víctor Manuel Vucetich’s first time participating in the Clásico Nacional.

Vucetich has won five Liga MX titles with four clubs in addition to two second-division titles, four Copa MX championships, an InterLiga championship, as well as three CONCACAF Champions League trophies.

3. This is the 237th Clásico Nacional

Chivas and América have met on a total of 236 times since meeting for the first time in 1943. This Saturday, they will face off at the Estadio Azteca.

4. América have been the most victorious side

Just counting victories, América have been the most successful side, winning 87 times while Chivas have won on a total of 75 occasions.

5. Vucetich has a much better record in Clásicos than Herrera

While Herrera is no stranger to the Clásico Nacional, Vucetich has been known to lead his side to victory in huge contests.

In 16 different rivalries, Vucetich has only lost a total of four matches in his career.

6. América have a much more experienced squad

The América squad have far more experience in the Clásico Nacional than their opponents.

At the top of the charts, Guillermo Ochoa and Paul Aguilar have 19 and 18 matches against the Rebaño, while Isaac Brizuela and Jesús Sánchez have only participated in 14 and 12 matches, respectively.

7. Last time out

The last time the two met on the pitch was during a pre-season game of the GNP Copa por México, where those then led by Luis Fernando Tena beat América 4-3 in an epic semi-final contest.

As for an official game, Miguel Herrera’s men beat Guadalajara 4-1 in the 2019 Apertura.

8. The past becomes present

We detailed this in our article yesterday but in case you missed it, Oribe Peralta, Jesús Molina, Jose Madueña, and Rubén ‘Oso’ González will face their former club this weekend.

9. Jesús Molina still looking for his first Clásico victory

Jesús Molina has been part of two of the most paralyzing Clásicos in all of Mexico: the Clásico Regiomontano (Tigres and Rayados) and the Clásico Nacional.

He has still not been able to defeat América with the rojiblancos. This will be his third test.

10. Bet between owners

Like every meeting, Amaury Vergara and Emilio Azcárraga Jean launched a bet for the Clásico de Clásicos.

On this occasion, the head of the Guadalajara club challenged the leader of the Eagles with a thousand pantries for the fans most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

In the result of a tie, both sides will pay up. See you Saturday!