América enters the match in second place with 17 points, while Chivas sits 16th with just 4.
Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
América are gearing up for the 262nd edition of the Clásico Nacional, where they’ll look to claim their 100th all-time win over Chivas. The showdown, part of Matchday 8, will be played this Saturday at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.
On Thursday, captain Henry Martín acknowledged the contrasting form of the two clubs heading into the game: América arrive at the second place of the Apertura with 17 points, while Guadalajara sit near the bottom with only four. Despite that gap, the striker insisted there’s no room for complacency.
"Prohibited to let Chivas bounce back," Martín said. "We won’t be the team that wakes them up. On the field, whether it’s against Chivas, Cruz Azul, or Pumas, we always play to win and impose our game. We know Chivas may be struggling in the table, but they’re not playing badly. They’re a tough team – they run all game, counter well, and keep possession. We need to neutralize that if we want to keep winning."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT ISRAEL REYES SAID
Isreal Reyes echoed his captain’s words and took a jab at
"You can’t save an entire season just by beating your rival when the rest of the results aren’t there," he said. "We’re a big club, and our ambition isn’t just to win one match. We want the championship. It’s not enough to only beat the historic rival. If that’s all you care about, then you’re not thinking big. Our goal is the final and to lift the trophy. Nothing else matters."
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Winger Allan Saint-Maximin trained with the starting squad on Thursday, making him a candidate to start in Saturday’s Clásico. Although Martín admitted he’s still not at 100 percent physically, he confirmed that he’s no longer feeling discomfort. Head coach André Jardine could still line him up from the opening whistle.
Martín has scored seven goals in Clásicos Nacionales and is chasing América legend Roberto Alves "Zague," who leads the rivalry’s scoring charts with 10.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CLUB AMÉRICA?
América will host Chivas this Saturday on Matchday 8 of the Apertura 2025 as they look to remain unbeaten, boasting a record of five wins and two draws after seven matches.