Chivas and Club America settle for 1-1 draw in memorable Clasico Nacional

Jose Godinez fired Chivas into the lead but Oribe Peralta struck an equalizer five minutes later as Club America grabbed a 1-1 draw against Chivas in the Clasico Nacional.

Las Aguilas will rue their failure to capitalize on their second half dominance after a first half saw a nail-biting back-and-forth affair between the two Mexican giants.

From the start, it was Chivas who controlled possession, but Agustin Marchesin held firm, denying the hosts a pair of early opportunities.

Club America were far more direct, and they made efficient use of their breakaway opportunities, with Renato Ibarra forcing Rodolfo Cota to a good save just moments later.

Chivas continued to press and Alan Pulido had an effort blocked by the outstanding Marchesin.

Chivas’s goal finally arrived in the 21st minute and from an unusual source. Beating America in their own game, after a long-ball to Eduardo “La Chofis” Lopez, Jose Godinez smashed the ball past Marchesin to give the hosts a deserved lead.

America became a threat again almost immediately. Following a Cecilio Dominguez goal that was ruled offside, Oribe Peralta performed a fantastic move and turn before placing the ball into the back of the net to send the traveling America fans into a frenzy.

The visitors grew into the game after the goal, and Rodolfo Cota had to perform a spectacular kick-save to stop America from taking the lead before the halftime break.

Club America started the second half with more urgency, and Oribe Peralta, who was arguably the best player on the field, should have scored his brace when a Chivas error in the midfield finished with the striker placing his shot just above the crossbar.

Chivas eventually found their way through in the 61st minute, but Godinez, with just the goalkeeper to beat, sent his shot well-high of Marchesin’s goal.

Las Aguilas turned the final half-hour of the match into a cagey affair, to say the least, with Miguel Herrera’s men receiving a total of five yellow cards, but it was America who finished the match as the better side.

At the end, though, it was honors even in a Clasico Nacional that lived up to all expectations.