GUADALAJARA -- Mexico's two most popular clubs Chivas and Club America will square off in the quarterfinals of the Liga MX Apertura in the sixth and seventh editions this year of the Clasico Nacional.
Las Aguilas knocked Chivas out at the quarterfinal stage of the Clausura 2016, although the team from Guadalajara has since then defeated Club America 3-0 in league play and knocked its Mexico City rival out of the semifinal of the Copa MX.
"The word revenge doesn't exist in football because what happened has already happened," said Matias Almeyda after Saturday's 1-1 draw against Necaxa, referring to the Clausura loss. "Yes, it will be a great show ... but [we'll] respect the opponent and try to impose our playing style in the two games."
The first leg is scheduled to be on Thursday at Estadio Azteca, with the return on Sunday in Estadio Chivas, although Liga MX will confirm the times and dates on Monday. Whenever they are, Almeyda doesn't believe that closing out at home will give Chivas a major advantage.
"The objective is to reach the final," said the Argentine. "Closing at home is the same. When we go to the Azteca there are a lot of Chivas fans, so we will be playing practically at home in both games."
Club America drew 3-3 against reigning champion Pachuca on Saturday in a game in which Las Aguilas were 2-0 behind.
In Sunday games, Pumas defeated Puebla 3-0 and Santos Laguna put Toluca out of the playoff reckoning with a 2-1 victory.
That all means Club Tijuana will face Leon in the Apertura quarterfinals, with Pachuca taking on Necaxa and Tigres playing Pumas.