The rivalry between Club América and Chivas (Club Deportivo Guadalajara) has always been charged with emotion, yet it reached new heights following América's historic victory as the first team to achieve tricampeonato since the inception of the short tournament format. The decisive win came on December 15, 2024, when América triumphed over Monterrey with a 3-2 aggregate score, marking its 16th Liga MX title.
For América, this triumph is not just another trophy; it symbolizes dominance over their fiercest rival, Chivas, who languished at 12 titles. Just ten years ago, when América clinched its twelfth championship against Tigres, Chivas optimistically tweeted, "Hoy el momento es suyo, pero el futuro nos pertenece. Ahora más que nunca ¡#DaleRebaño!" They believed they would soon equal Americas' status, but with the recent championship tally, the Eagles have established a substantial four-trophy lead.
Under coach André Jardine, América has proven itself as a powerhouse, securing its latest victory amid fierce competition. The club's winning philosophy and strategic excellence have been on display throughout the season, leading them to glory. "Christian Calderón, who joined the club recently, celebrated his second title with América, solidifying his standing against his former team, Chivas," indicates his transformative impact on the team.
The celebrations following the championship victory were nothing short of euphoric. Players took to the locker room, delighted with their triumph and seized the moment to rib their rivals. Notably, the singing of Chivas’ former anthem, “Te deseo lo mejor,” offered another layer of playful rivalry. Amidst the festivities, Calderón led the tone, showcasing how far he has come since his complicated departure from Chivas, where his time ended after disciplinary issues.
This time around, the focus was on unity and joy at América, as players such as Kevin Álvarez, Israel Reyes, and Alan Cervantes belted out the lyrics, celebrating their team's remarkable season. Reflecting on the chants during the championship celebrations, one could feel the palpable tension as they mirrored Chivas’ previous anthem, which had once inspired one of their recent runs to the finals.
The club's social media accounts were abuzz, echoing the victorious sentiments with memes and highlights from their smashing final. The wide smiles and exuberant expressions were evident as the players reveled in their back-to-back triumphs, including their victory at the Clausura 2024.
Chivas’ plight has grown ever more precarious, as they now aim to overcome the ever-increasing gap in titles. Since their last Liga MX championship win during Clausura 2017, Chivas has failed to secure additional silverware, suffering setbacks, including their near miss against Tigres last year.
The storied past of these two clubs has added layers of intensity to each match and championship encounter. With each title gained by América, the pressure mounts for Chivas to respond. Their upcoming matches include the Clausura 2025, underscoring the urgency for Chivas to reclaim their status.
This latest milestone for América is undoubtedly historic, as the gap narrows even more for their rivals. The narrative hasn’t just been about the victories but also about the enduring fight for supremacy across generations. The rivalry continues to escalate, as both clubs—and their respective fans—gear up for future encounters.
With fans holding their breath, the statements made by the clubs remind everyone of the titanic struggles taking place both on and off the field. The battle for hearts and minds remain as intense as ever. While América flashes its newest trophy, Chivas must now rally its forces, pushing hard to prevent the balance from tipping even more decidedly against them.
With the fervor of this rivalry displayed perhaps more dramatically this season, the Liga MX continues to serve up blue-chip narratives within its rich history of sportsmanship and competitiveness. Only time will tell how the pendulum will swing and what the next chapter entails, but for now, América stands tall as the champion, leaving Chivas with the formidable task of redefining their future to reignite their former glory.
