Club America fails to turn advantage into goals against Chivas Guadalajara

Club America could only manage a 1-1 draw against bitter rival Chivas in Mexico's Clasico Nacional on Thursday in the first leg of the Apertura 2016 quarterfinal.

The Clasico Nacional is Mexico's biggest rivalry, pitting the country's two most popular teams and the Estadio Azteca was full for a match in which America had the better opportunities to take an advantage into Sunday's second leg.

Club America took the lead in the 24th minute, when William da Silva picked the ball up in midfield, drove at the Chivas defense, played a give and go with striker Silvio Romero, and coolly finished.

The home side piled on the pressure following the opening goal and Chivas seemed rocked, with Da Silva having another good chance in the 43rd.

AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN

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But against the run of play, America defender Edson Alvarez bundled over Carlos "Gullit" Pena inside the 18-yard-box to hand the Guadalajara side a penalty deep into first half injury time. Captain Carlos Salcido stepped up to level the scores.

Both sides had opportunities in a more even and back-and-forth second half, although the advantage is with Chivas heading into Sunday's second leg, with away goals counting and Chivas going through on regular season standings if the return game finishes 1-1.

Chivas are looking for their first Liga MX title in 10 years, while America is hoping for some silverware in its centennial year.

Tickets are already sold out for Sunday's game in Estadio Chivas.