GUADALAJARA -- Mexico's Clasico Nacional between Chivas and Club America finished 0-0 in a scrappy Clausura 2016 quarterfinal first leg, with both teams finishing the match with 10 players.
America captain Rubens Sambueza saw his second yellow in the 60th minute at Estadio Chivas, when he bundled over Chivas winger Isaac Brizuela knocking him to the ground. Angel Zaldivar received a straight red card for a challenge on Paul Aguilar in the 82nd minute.
The decisive second leg will take place in the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday, as Liga MX's two biggest clubs and bitter rivals meet again in the Liguilla for the first time since 2007.
The best chance of the match also fell to Chivas striker Zaldivar, who found himself free from a Carlos Cisneros cross in the 74th minute, but his header went wide.
Chivas also had a strong penalty shout late in the match, with TV replays showing William da Silva took out Jesus Sanchez inside the area and didn't touch the ball.
The first half of the game went more in Club America's favor, although there were few real chances and neither goalkeeper had much to do to keep the game scoreless.
Reigning CONCACAF Champions League champion America's high-pressing frustrated Chivas' efforts to play their usual passing game and the away team sought to slow down the game whenever possible.
The draw extends Chivas' unbeaten streak to eight matches, with its last loss coming against America on March 13.
In Thursday's other quarterfinal first leg, Santos Laguna drew 1-1 with Pachuca.
Franco Jara opened the scoring for Pachuca three minutes before halftime, but Argentine Diego Gonzalez managed to level in the 66th.
In Wednesday's quarterfinals, Monterrey defeated city rivals Tigres 3-1, while Morelia tied 1-1 against Leon.