América vs. Guadalajara: El Clásico Nacional Heats Up in CONCACAF Champions Cup – Latest News (March 13, 2025)

 

América vs. Guadalajara: El Clásico Nacional Heats Up in CONCACAF Champions Cup – Latest News (March 13, 2025)

Greetings from the edge of a footballing showdown on this Thursday, March 13, 2025! At 07:40 AM IST, as India stirs with Holi anticipation and weather alerts, Mexico is gearing up for one of its fiercest rivalries: Club América vs. Club Guadalajara—better known as El Clásico Nacional. Tonight, at 9:00 AM IST (10:30 PM ET on March 12), these titans clash in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. With Chivas holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Here’s the latest news, buildup, and what to expect as this epic battle looms just hours away.

First Leg Recap: Chivas Take the Edge

The opening salvo of this Round of 16 tie unfolded on March 5, 2025, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, where Chivas eked out a 1-0 victory. A 77th-minute own goal by América’s Sebastián Cáceres—off a cross from Mateo Chávez—handed the hosts the advantage, as reported by Sportskeeda and myKhel. Despite América’s dominance in possession and chance creation, Chivas’ resolute defense and goalkeeper José Rangel’s heroics kept a clean sheet. This result flipped the script on América’s recent Clasico supremacy, setting up a must-win scenario for the reigning Liga MX champions tonight. The aggregate score stands at 1-0, but with no away goals rule in play, América needs at least a 1-0 win to force extra time—or a two-goal margin to advance outright.

Latest News Highlights

Match Day Arrives: América’s Homecoming

Tonight’s clash kicks off at 9:00 AM IST at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, América’s temporary home due to renovations at Estadio Azteca. Sporting News and Outlook India confirm the game’s broadcast on Fubo and CONCACAF’s YouTube channel, with kickoff at 10:30 PM ET (8:30 PM local time). Posts on X from 

@estoenlinea at 06:16 AM IST today captured América fans welcoming their team with fervor, predicting a “remontada” (comeback). Chivas fans, meanwhile, arrived to jeers from the Azulcrema faithful, per @estoenlinea at 06:42 AM IST, signaling a hostile atmosphere.

Team News and Lineups

América’s projected XI, shared on X by 

@1916Aguila at 07:02 AM IST, includes Luis Malagón in goal, a backline of Kevin Álvarez, Cáceres, Israel Reyes, and Cristian Borja, midfielders Álvaro Fidalgo and Cristian “Chiquito” Sánchez, and attackers Diego Valdés, Alejandro Zendejas, Henry Martín, and Brian Rodríguez. Coach André Jardine, under pressure after a goalless Liga MX Clasico draw on March 8, might tweak this lineup, with Erick Sánchez a possible substitute. Chivas, per myKhel, could stick with Rangel, defenders Gilberto Sepúlveda and José Castillo, midfielders Erick Gutiérrez and Luis Romo, and forwards Roberto Alvarado and Alan Pulido. Cade Cowell’s red card in the Liga MX draw rules him out, per VAVEL USA.

Form and Stakes

América, the Liga MX Clausura 2025 leaders with 20 points from 11 games (6 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses), have stumbled lately—winless in their last two across all competitions, including that 1-0 CONCACAF loss and a 0-0 draw with Chivas on March 8. Chivas, 10th in Liga MX with 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses), boast a three-game clean-sheet streak, per Sportskeeda. Tonight’s winner advances to face either Cruz Azul or Seattle Sounders in the quarterfinals, per CONCACAF’s bracket.

Pundit Predictions and Fan Sentiment

Sportskeeda’s March 11 preview favors América to overturn the deficit, citing their four-game home winning streak (11 goals scored) and Chivas’ shaky away form (1 win, 4 losses in 2025). Footboom1.com predicts a low-scoring affair, betting on over 0.5 goals, while X user 

@luzdebicicleta boldly claimed at 10:33 AM IST on March 9 that América’s attack is neutralized, forecasting a 0-0 draw and Chivas’ progression. 

@laoctavasports at 05:48 AM IST today warned that an América loss would be “the failure of the century,” amplifying the pressure on Jardine’s squad.

Broader Context: A Rivalry Reignited

El Clásico Nacional is Mexico’s fiercest football rivalry, with América (22 wins) edging Chivas (12 wins) in 50 historical meetings, per Footboom1.com. Their latest encounters—Chivas’ 1-0 CONCACAF win on March 5 and a 0-0 Liga MX stalemate on March 8—show a tightening contest. Tonight’s venue shift from Estadio Azteca adds intrigue, though América’s fanbase promises a cauldron-like atmosphere. As India tracks its own news—Delhi’s murder case, cyclonic weather, and Holi buzz—this match offers a global sports highlight, airing at 9:00 AM IST when many here are sipping their morning tea.

The stakes transcend the pitch: América, three-time defending Liga MX champs, face a test of their dynasty, while Chivas, under new manager Juan Carlos Ortega since January, seek a statement win. A loss could dent América’s aura; a Chivas upset would ignite their season.

Critical Reflections: Beyond the Hype

The establishment narrative casts América as favorites, but is that warranted? Their recent scoring drought—zero goals in two games against Chivas—hints at vulnerabilities, perhaps exacerbated by Jardine’s conservative tactics. Chivas’ defensive grit, lauded on X by@placa_slam after the March 8 draw, could frustrate América again. The Cáceres own goal last week was a fluke—can Chivas create chances without it? And with Cowell out, will their attack hold up away from Akron? The 1-0 aggregate lead is slim; this could hinge on a moment of brilliance—or error.

What to Watch For Tonight

América’s Response: Can Zendejas and Martín break Chivas’ backline? A goal before halftime could shift momentum.

Chivas’ Resilience: Rangel’s form and a compact defense will be key—can they weather the storm?

The Crowd Factor: Will América’s home support overwhelm Chivas, or inspire a defiant stand?

At 9:00 AM IST, tune in via Fubo or CONCACAF’s YouTube stream. By 11:00 AM IST, we’ll know who’s dancing into the quarterfinals. Is this América’s comeback or Chivas’ coronation? Share your predictions below!