The first order of business for Carlos Reinoso when he was hired as Club America's new head coach was to circle a date on the calendar. The day? April 10. The opponent? Chivas de Guadalajara.

"If you are truly an 'Americanista,' the first thing you have to do is see when the Clásico will be played," said Reinoso, who replaced the fired Manolo Lapuente on Week 4 of the Mexican 2011 Clausura Tournament.

Reinoso knows plenty about this bitter rivalry, one that is believed to be the fiercest sports rivalry in North America. Forget Yankees-Red Sox. Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers? Not even close. Reinoso played for América and had plenty to do with building the legendary franchise in Mexican soccer.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Reinoso created a fluid brand of soccer and steered Club América's attack from the midfield. The native of Chile was considered one of the best foreign players to have competed in Mexico.

He always dreamed of coaching his beloved club. He got his chance after two previous coaching stints.

"When I die, I want my ashes scattered at Estadio Azteca," Reinoso said.

Estadio Azteca is the legendary stadium in Mexico City, América's home.

It was in that same stadium where Reinoso made a name for himself amid América legends.

So, he knows what it takes to face a hated rival in Chivas.

"It doesn't matter what place you are in the standings," Reinoso said. "When you play in the Clásico, you play for your life. And the person who doesn't understand that should have nothing to do with América."

The so called "Súper Clásico" is Sunday in a Week 13 match-up at Guadalajara's new state-of-the-art soccer temple, Omnilife Stadium. It will be the first time the classic showdown will be played there, marking another chapter of the rivalry.

Omnilife is considered to be Mexico's top modern stadium. After all, Chivas owner and business entrepreneur, Jorge Vergara, spent $20 million to build it.

But the club has failed to sell out the way it did at its old stadium, Estadio Jalisco.

This Clásico should test Guadalajara fans' loyalty. Will they pack the new stadium?

Both teams have met 155 times in the regular season, including their last meeting Oct. 24. They've faced each other 20 times in the playoffs.

Chivas lead the series with a 54-51-50 record. Guadalajara has scored 205 times while allowing 188 goals in the Súper Clásicos.

The Xolos

Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles is coming off a crucial 2-0 win at Club Neza last week at Estadio Caliente in the 2011 Clausura Tournament of Mexico's second division, the Liga de Ascenso.

San Diego native Joe Corona (38th minute) and Raul Enriquez (42nd minute) scored for Tijuana.

The Xolos sit in third place in the standings, with 23 points and three games left in the regular season.

Tijuana will look to move up in the standings and move closer to clinching a slot in the playoffs with a road win against La Piedad on Sunday.

Abraham.nudelstejer@sandiegored.com