Chivas Edges Necaxa In Tense Liga MX Clash As US Interest Grows
Chivas Guadalajara secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Necaxa in a heated Liga MX match Thursday night at Estadio Akron, extending their unbeaten streak to five games. The rivalry match is trending in the US due to growing interest in Mexican soccer among Hispanic communities and the presence of US-born players like Chivas defender Antonio Briseño.
The game turned in the 63rd minute when Chivas striker JosĂ© Juan MacĂas converted a penalty after a VAR-reviewed handball. Necaxa equalized through Edgar MĂ©ndez in the 72nd minute before Roberto Alvarado's 84th-minute winner for Chivas. Three yellow cards were shown in a physical second half that saw 28 fouls.
Liga MX viewership in the US has increased 18% this season according to Nielsen, with Univision reporting strong ratings for Thursday's match. The league's popularity is surging in border states like California and Texas, where Mexican-American fans comprise a growing demographic. Chivas specifically has cultivated a US following through its policy of only fielding Mexican players.
Social media engagement spiked during the match, with #ChivasNecaxa trending in six US cities including Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. The rivalry dates to 1923, making it one of Mexico's oldest soccer feuds. Thursday's result moves Chivas to third in the Clausura standings while Necaxa remains mid-table.
Next week Chivas faces América in the Super Clásico, which typically draws over 2 million US viewers. Necaxa will host Puebla on April 30 as both teams push for Liguilla playoff positions. Liga MX officials confirm the league is exploring additional US broadcast partnerships to capitalize on rising interest.
