The fiercest rivalry in Mexican football could crown another edition during the Fiesta Grande.
The closing stages of 2023 arrive with a final phase that narrows the field to eight teams hungry to be crowned Liga MX champions. The travel of traditional powerhouses continues as Chivas and America hold direct paths to the quarterfinals, leaving fans to prepare for a high-stakes showdown with their fiercest rival looming on the horizon.
The National Classic stands as the most significant duel in Aztec football. Its rich history has forged a massive rivalry between Chivas and America, a battle that fans eagerly mark on the calendar and rarely miss. The intensity is felt in every match and echoed in the stadiums, on social media, and across the media landscape as supporters defend their colors with passion and pride.
Between America and Chivas in the title race, a sequence of results could set up a direct clash for the championship, depending on how the rest of the tournament unfolds. Our overview from Goal outlines the scenarios and the possible pathways that could lead to a classic final duel between these two giants, should the brackets align and momentum hold. [Citation: Goal]
The path to the semifinals would come into sharper focus if America finishes in second place and Chivas secures third, creating a potential semifinal meeting with the leaders Monterrey if both teams win their subsequent games. If either side stumbles, a wait for a later stage, including a possible final, could become the reality. The dynamics of the bracket, seed positions, and the results of nearby rivals all contribute to a narrative where a National Classic could determine the championship narrative in the closing rounds.
Throughout the campaign, fans watch for tactical shifts, player form, injuries, and coaching decisions that shape the trajectory of each team. A single victory can alter confidence, while a string of results can redraw expectations for an entire season. The excitement around a potential America versus Chivas final is matched by a broader appreciation for the competitive spirit that fuels Mexican football and keeps the Fiesta Grande as a focal point of the sport in North America.