GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- An Oribe Peralta header in the second half of Sunday's Clasico Nacional against Chivas was enough to send Club America into the semifinals of the Liga MX Apertura 2016.
Peralta's goal earned America a 1-0 victory on the night in Estadio Chivas and a 2-1 advantage on aggregate over the two legs.
It was the second time in 2016 that Las Aguilas have knocked Chivas out at the quarterfinal stage of the Liga MX, with America doing the same in the past Clausura.
The first half was a nervous and tight affair, with Chivas' Alan Pulido having the best chance, but the game was played mainly in midfield and the sides stifled each other.
With a 0-0 good enough for Chivas to advance, America needed to score in the second half and improved notably in attack after the break.
Las Aguilas capitalized when Peralta rose from a Darwin Quintero corner in the 55th minute and managed to get enough force on the header whilst running away from goal to squeeze it past keeper Rodolfo Cota.
Chivas pushed for the equalizer as time ran out, but America's defense held strong.
This was the seventh time the clubs had met in 2006, but was arguably the most important match of them all, with America desperate to celebrate its centennial by lifting a trophy and Chivas without a Liga MX title since 2006.
Leon and Tigres have also advanced to the Apertura semis.