America vs. Chivas: Score and Reaction from 2015 Liga MX Match

Chivas scored a 2-1 victory over Club America in the latest edition of El Super Clasico at the Estadio Azteca on Saturday. Omar Bravo scored both goals for the winning side.

Although the rivalry has lost a bit of its luster in recent years because of Guadalajara's struggles, the on-field intensity remains high every time the sides face off. The matches still carry extra meaning, even if the sides aren't battling for the Liga MX title. That remained evident Saturday.

ESPN Stats & Info highlighted the historical success of both clubs:

Before the match, new Chivas manager Matias Almeyda discussed what it meant to coach such a high-profile game and noted some added motivation, per Jon Arnold of Goal.com.

"For me, the first Clasico is a very beautiful thing, something I'm excited about and I'm already enjoying it. They're moments that you don't always go through," Almeyda said. "I've heard that America is very confident of beating us. That motivates us. The players are going to leave their soul on the playing field."

His side didn't show any signs of backing down in the early going.

In fact, it jumped out in front after 15 minutes. Miscommunication from the America defense allowed Bravo to capitalize for the underdogs. He ran onto an errant pass in between two defenders and goalkeeper Moises Munoz before slotting his shot into an empty net.

It's the type of scrappy goal the 35-year-old forward has become known for throughout his career, as Andrea Canales of ESPN.com noted:

Chivas stretched the lead to 2-0 in the 38th minute.

The goal was the result of terrific team play. Raul Lopez collected the ball out wide and delivered a well-placed cross into the middle of the box. Bravo, who had made a nice run to elude the America back line, headed the ball into the far corner to secure the brace.

James Battcock of Football Radar marveled at the veteran's impact:

It was also a milestone goal for Bravo, as ESPN Stats & Info pointed out:

Club America got back within one shortly before halftime.

Carlos Salcido received a red card for a foul on Darwin Quintero. Osvaldo Martinez made no mistake on the ensuing penalty kick as he unleashed a laser just under the crossbar to get the hosts on the board.

Univision Deportes highlighted Las Aguilas' 44th-minute tally:

Guadalajara still carried a 2-1 lead into halftime. A total of five cards were handed out before the break, including Salcido's straight red, illustrating the physical nature of the rivalry.

As expected, Chivas utilized a defensive mentality after the break. It didn't take any chances while playing a man down. While that allowed America to control a majority of possession, the side struggled to create good scoring chances.

Even as Las Aguilas pushed for the equalizer in the final 10 minutes, the Guadalajara defense was up to the task. The home side held a 65 percent possession advantage in the second half and generated six shots on goal, but goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez was up to the task when called upon.

Tom Marshall of ESPN.com applauded the overall effort from Chivas to get the win:

Cesar Hernandez of the Mexican Soccer Show stressed the importance of the result:

Looking ahead, the match should serve as a good building block for Chivas. Almeyda has the side playing at a higher level, and the effort it showcased Saturday is what needs to happen every time out, regardless of the opponent.

Failing to emerge with any points is a setback for Club America. Though rivalry games are always tricky, this was a match it should have won. But it let Guadalajara gain too much confidence early and couldn't fight back to at least earn a draw.

All told, chalk it up as another entertaining El Super Clasico.