Everything you need to know ahead of the 250th ‘Super Clásico’

Aguilas seek retribution in massive Liga MX derby

The Chivas are in Mexico City to take on América in the 250th rendition of the Liga MX “Super Clásico” with the Aguilas eager to exact revenge on visiting Guadalajara.

The last time these two bitter rivals met at Estadio Azteca was back on May 21 when the third-seeded Chivas stunned their favored hosts – the No. 2 seeds – to advance to the Liga MX finals on the back of a 3-1 victory.

A minute 88 goal by defender Jesús Orozco proved to be the difference after América had defeated Guadalajara 1-0 in the first leg of the semifinals. (An aggregate tie would have allowed the Aguilas to move on as the higher seed.)

The result marked the second straight time the Chivas had knocked out América in the playoffs (seventh-seeded Guadalajara upset the No. 3 seeded “AzulCremas” in the Apertura 2020 quarterfinals). In between these two playoff clashes, América won three games and the Liga MX adversaries played to two scoreless draws.

Bruised and battered Aguilas emerge from sick bay

América is so beaten up that even their manager is among the walking wounded.

First-year Aguilas coach André Jardine is four days removed from an appendectomy, though he is determined to be on the bench for his inaugural “Super Clásico.”

Jardine attended practice on Thursday and has reportedly been cleared to attend the game.

In another bit of good news, reigning Liga MX MVP Henry Martín has passed a fitness test though he is not expected to start.

Martín – been out of action since July 31 – has been fitted with a compression sock to protect his injured calf and hopes to see some action. “La Bomba” has scored 7 times against the Chivas, the most he has scored against any Liga MX rival in his illustrious career.

Right back Kevin Álvarez will also be back on the game-day roster after serving a one-game, red card suspension in a return that should help prop up the Aguilas’ hobbled back line.