Guadalajara’s Dominant Display in CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16
Last night, we witnessed a powerful performance by Guadalajara in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16. The Rojiblanca Nation’s unbreakable solidarity, demonstrated by their fervent support for their team for more than ninety minutes at Akron Stadium, was the driving force behind this victory.
El Rebaño took the lead in the series, but they also settled some unfinished business in El Clásico de México, thanks to their strong home performance. Curious to know what that means? Let’s have a look at it.
Key Takeaways from Chivas’ Victory Over América in the CONCACAF Champions Cup
Guadalajara now leads the Round of 16 series, which they aim to close out in the second leg at their opponent’s home ground.
Chivas have turned Akron Stadium into a fortress, remaining unbeaten at home across all competitions in 2025, with 5 wins and 2 draws so far.
El Rebaño kept a clean sheet in both of their 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup matches played at home.
In fact, Chivas have not conceded a single goal in their last two matches. Before El Clásico de México, they defeated Pumas 1-0 in CL25’s Matchday 10.
Guadalajara have now beaten América twice in a row in this continental tournament.
El Rebaño have remained unbeaten in six of their last ten CONCACAF Champions Cup matches, with all those victories coming after 2008.
Mateo Chávez recorded seven successful tackles last night, the most by any player in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match since at least 2016-17.
Since the 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions Cup, only two Guadalajara goalkeepers have made more saves against América than Raúl Rangel’s five last night:
Miguel Jiménez (six saves vs. Toronto FC)
Rodolfo Cota (nine saves vs. NY Red Bulls)
Both performances came in 2018.
Key Takeaways from Chivas’ Historic Win
🏆 1. Advantage in the Round of 16
- With this victory, Chivas have taken the lead in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 and will look to finish the job in the second leg.
🏟 2. Fortress Akron: Unbeaten at Home
- Chivas have turned Akron Stadium into a stronghold, remaining undefeated in 2025 with 5 wins and 2 draws across all competitions.
- Their defensive strength was once again on display as they kept a clean sheet at home in the Champions Cup.
🚫 3. Defensive Brilliance: No Goals Conceded
- Chivas have not conceded in their last two matches, including their 1-0 win over Pumas in Matchday 10 of CL25.
- Their solid defense played a vital role in shutting down América’s attacking threats.
⚔ 4. Mateo Chávez’s Defensive Masterclass
- Chávez recorded seven successful tackles, making history as the player with the most tackles in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match since 2016-17.
🧤 5. Raúl Rangel’s Heroics in Goal
- Rangel made five crucial saves against América, with only two Chivas goalkeepers registering more saves against América in this tournament since 2016-17:
- Miguel Jiménez (6 saves vs. Toronto FC, 2018)
- Rodolfo Cota (9 saves vs. NY Red Bulls, 2018