The Fight for Rivalry
The History Between Rivals Chivas and Club Leon
The Mexican rivalry between Club Deportivo Guadalajara, also known as Chivas de Guadalajara, and Club Leon is arguably the most heated rivalry in the country. Both teams are from the central region of Mexico and have a long history dating back to the early days of Mexican football.
The Inaugural Match
The first match between the two teams was played in 1949, with Leon winning 3-1. The first match played by Club Deportivo Guadalajara against the "Esmeraldas" was on January 24, 1949, corresponding to the 4th day of the 1948-49 season. The match ended with a resounding victory for León with a score of 1-3 and took place at the "Parque Oblatos" stadium.
Leon's home stadium is Nou Camp, while Chivas' home stadium is Estadio Akron. The two teams have met 76 times in official matches, with Chivas winning 29 times, Leon winning 26 times, and 18 draws. The most recent match between the two teams was played on March 19, 2023, with Leon winning 2-1.
Rivalry Matches
The rivalry between the two teams is often intense, with both sets of fans often engaging in heated exchanges. The rivalry has also been marked by a number of incidents of violence, including a riot in 2004 that resulted in the death of one fan.
Despite the rivalry, there is also a great deal of respect between the two teams. Both teams are considered to be among the most successful in Mexico, and they have both produced a number of world-class players.
Key Rivalry Moments
- The two teams have met in the playoffs on several occasions, including the 1973 final, which Chivas won 2-1.
- In 1992, Leon defeated Chivas 2-0 in the Apertura semifinals.
- In 2014, Chivas defeated Leon 1-0 in the Clausura semifinals.
The rivalry between Chivas and Leon is one of the most passionate and intense in Mexican football. It is a rivalry that is sure to continue for many years to come.
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