Why is the América vs Pumas game called 'El Clásico Capitalino'?
'Las Aguillas' face Pumas in the quarter-final of the 2021 Liga MX Apertura with the first leg set to take place at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Three Liga MX outfits (Cruz Azul, Club América and PUMAS UNAM) are based in Mexico DF with just the latter two clubs still involved in the 2021 Liga MX Apertura campaign after Cruz Azul were humbled at home last weekend in a 1-4 reverse to Monterrey in the repechaje stage of the competition.
The bracket saw current in-form Club América pitted against the University side in a game what is known as "El Clásico Capatalino" (The capital city derby), in one of the most high-profile domestic games in Mexican football.
Despite being the most popular club in Mexico, 'Las Aguillas' have their fair share of detractors with many fans relishing when the side from the Azteca slump. The rivalry between América and PUMAS fans is historical and loosely based on the perceived stature of each club with America representing power and the rich of the city with their Televisa backing with the club boasting a wealth of domestic and international honours, whereas PUMAS fans have tended to be more from a middle-class or academic background and the club is generally regarded as an underdog in the capital city.
América with the upper hand
In Liga MX meetings, 136 games have taken place between both sides with 'Las Aguillas' victorious on 54 occasions with 50 games drawn. Santi Solari's side are firm favourites to advance to the semi-final stage where they will face the winners of the Atlas-Monterrey match.