Chivas vs Cruz Azul
Chivas de Guadalajara – the only Mexican club that signs only players of Mexican descent.
Club Deportivo Guadalajara S.A de C.V., simplified as CD Guadalajara, and also known as Chivas de Guadalajara, is a Mexican professional football club based in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, Jalisco. The club competes in Liga MX, the top division of Mexican football, and plays its home matches at Estadio Akron.
Quick Facts
- Fan base nickname
- Cementeros or Celestes (Cruz Azul) vs. Chivas (Guadalajara)
Lore & Background
Founded in 1906 as Unión Football Club, the club changed its name to Guadalajara Football Club in 1908, and then changed to its current name in 1923. Nicknamed Chivas, it was one of ten founding members of the first professional and national league in Mexico, named Liga Mayor (current Liga MX). Guadalajara is one of seven Mexican clubs that have never been relegated. Chivas is the only football club in Mexico that does not sign foreign or naturalized players unless they are of Mexican descent. The team has historically relied on home-grown (cantera) players and has been the launching pad of many internationally successful players, including Javier Hernández, Carlos Vela and Carlos Salcido, among others.
Reader's Guide
Domestically, CD Guadalajara is one of the most successful Mexican clubs, winning twelve Liga MX titles, four Copa MX titles, seven Campeón de Campeones and one Supercopa MX, and also holds the league record for the longest winning streak at the beginning of a season, with eight consecutive wins in the Bicentenario 2010. Internationally, it has won two CONCACAF Champions Cup/Champions League titles, and also finished as runners-up in the 2010 Copa Libertadores.
Did You Know?
- According to a study of preferred football clubs in 2016, Guadalajara was the most popular Mexican club, with 44.2% of supporters in the country.
- In 2020, Forbes estimated that the club was the most valuable of the league, ranking sixth overall in the Americas, worth approximately $311.5 million.
- The team was founded by Edgar Everaert, who arrived in Mexico in 1906.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the rivalry between Chivas and Cruz Azul?
This matchup symbolizes a cultural battle between Jalisco regional tradition and Mexico City corporate modernity. It is considered one of the most intense historical confrontations in Mexican football history.
Where are the matches played for this national rivalry?
Chivas plays their home games at Estadio Akron, while Cruz Azul hosts fixtures at the massive Estadio Azteca. These locations serve as primary battlegrounds for fans from both clubs during league seasons.
How do the team policies differ regarding player recruitment?
Guadalajara adheres to a unique philosophy of fielding only Mexican players in their squad. Conversely, Cruz Azul utilizes an open system that permits them to sign foreign athletes for competition.
What are the nicknames for the supporters of each club?
Fans of Chivas are known as Rayados or Canarios, reflecting their team identity and colors. The Cruz Azul supporter base is famously called Calorones during these heated encounters.
Is this rivalry still considered active in Liga MX?
Yes, both clubs remain among the most decorated teams and continue to compete against each other actively. Their status as titans ensures every meeting remains a significant event on the national stage.
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