Chivas star makes América admission as Guadalajara defends perfect start in Clásico Nacional

El Clásico Nacional is just around the corner. Chivas Guadalajara and Club América are the two most important clubs in Mexican soccer - teams that split the country in two. And the passion each one inspires is so deep that it even shows up in the players themselves. Almost all of them grew up rooting for one side or the other.

A notable example is Chivas attacking midfielder Brian Gutiérrez, who revealed on Thursday that América had pursued him in the past, but he always knew his heart belonged to Los Rojiblancos.

“It was always going to be Chivas”

“Yes, I think there was something to [a possible América transfer], but I had the final say and it was always going to be Chivas,” Gutierrez told reporters, when asked about rumors that once linked him to Saturday’s opponents.

The U.S.-born Mexico star’s love for Chivas is well known. Growing up in Chicago, his family instilled in him a passion for the club’s red‑and‑white colors. Whenever the 12-time Mexican champions played in the Windy City, he would head to the stands with his entire family to cheer on the team he adored.

So when América came calling, the choice was clear. He preferred to wait for the offer from the club he considered home.

“I’m very happy to be here,” said Gutiérrez, who joined Chivas from Major League Soccer team Chicago Fire in December. “It’s a hugely important match, and the expectation at this club is always to take all three points. It’s a dream to be able to live it. Every match we go in looking to get the three points. I don’t think it matters if we’re on the road or at home - the plan is always the same.”

Gutiérrez also recalled how, back in Chicago, he never missed a Clásico. “The intensity, the fire - you feel it even from the outside,” the 22-year-old said. “I hope to play in it and experience it on the field. We know how important this match is. From my end, I’ll look to control the midfield, live that intensity, and bring that fire onto the pitch.”

Chivas vs América: time, date, how to watch in the U.S.

On matchday six of the Liga MX’s Clausura 2026, Chivas hosts América on Saturday, Feb. 14, with kickoff at Estadio Akron scheduled for 10:07 p.m. ET/7:07 p.m. PT. Viewers in the U.S. can watch the Clásico Nacional on Telemundo and Universo. Your streaming options include the online platform fubo, which offers new users a free trial.

Chivas heads into the clash with a perfect Clausura 2026 record, having won five out of five since the tournament kicked off in January.

América, on the other hand, finds itself down in eighth place in the regular-season standings, seven points adrift of its arch rival. However, Las Águilas have recovered from a winless first three games to claim victory in their past two Clausura runouts.

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