Chivas defeats Club America on penalties to reach Copa MX final

Chivas defeated arch-rival Club America on penalties at the Estadio Azteca Wednesday to advance to the final of Mexico's Copa MX, with the game finishing 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Chivas keeper Antonio Rodriguez saved Osmar Mares' penalty as Chivas won 4-3 after five penalties each. Michael Arroyo had opened the scoring for Club America in the Clasico Nacional in the first half, with Alan Pulido leveling the score in the 70th minute.

Chivas will now face Queretaro in the cup final in Estadio Corregidora, after Gallos Blancos overcame Toluca on penalties on Tuesday.

Ecuador international Arroyo received a pass from Oribe Peralta and charged down at goal, brushing past Chivas defender Jair Pereira and shooting inside keeper Antonio Rodriguez's near post to put America ahead in the 20th minute.

The visitors had the better of the first half in terms of both possession and chances, with Club America sitting deep and waiting to hit them on the counter.

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Carlos "Gullit" Pena was put through on goal by Eduardo Lopez with a reverse pass in the 34th, but the former Leon midfielder saw his shot saved by Hugo Rodriguez.

The same combination happened again just before half-time, with Pena again struggling to find a finish.

America improved slightly at the start of the second half and Mexico international Peralta went close with a glancing header, but Chivas wrestled back control of the game.

Striker Pulido produced an acrobatic finish from close range from a corner to equalize for Chivas, but the team from Guadalajara couldn't find a winner.

Chivas manager Matias Almeyda fielded a starting lineup made up of fringe players, as the Argentine has throughout the Copa MX this Apertura.

The game was the first between Mexico's big two since Chivas defeated Club America 3-0 back in August and was billed as a chance for Las Aguilas to get some revenge in the club's centennial season.