Liga MX is one of the most competitive and popular football leagues in North America and Latin America. As Mexico’s premier professional football league, it showcases some of the best football talent in the world, with passionate fans, thrilling matches, and historical rivalries. Liga MX is more than just a league; it is a cultural phenomenon that brings communities together and creates memorable moments for millions of fans.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Liga MX games, including the format of the league, the most exciting teams, and what makes the competition so unique. We will also answer common questions about Liga MX fixtures, teams, players, and other frequently searched topics.
What is Liga MX?
Liga MX is Mexico’s top professional football league, consisting of 18 teams. It is widely regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in the world, with rich history, passionate fan bases, and strong ties to the Mexican national team. The league operates on a tournament system, with the season divided into two tournaments: Clausura and Apertura.
These tournaments run from summer to fall (Apertura) and winter to spring (Clausura), with each tournament determining its champion. Liga MX has a reputation for producing exciting, fast-paced football, and it has attracted numerous international players from all over the world. Its competitive nature and high-quality matches make it a must-watch league for football fans globally.
The Format of Liga MX: How the Games are Played
The structure of Liga MX is different from many other football leagues. Here’s a breakdown of how the league operates:
Apertura and Clausura
Liga MX is split into two distinct tournaments:
Apertura (meaning “opening” in Spanish): This tournament runs from July to December.
Clausura (meaning “closing” in Spanish): This tournament runs from January to May.
Both tournaments operate under the same format, and each tournament determines its own champion. Teams play a 17-game regular season in each tournament, followed by the Liguilla or playoffs, which involves the top eight teams battling for the championship. The winner of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments is crowned the champion of that tournament.
Regular Season
During the regular season, teams play each other in a round-robin format, where each team plays 17 matches. Points are awarded for wins (3 points), draws (1 point), and losses (0 points). The points accumulated throughout the regular season determine the rankings for the Liguilla tournament. The regular season is highly competitive, and with the presence of both established clubs and emerging teams, the stakes are always high. Fans can expect dramatic encounters between both seasoned veterans and youthful talent.
The Liguilla: The Playoffs
At the end of the regular season, the top eight teams qualify for the Liguilla (playoffs). The format of the Liguilla includes two-legged semifinals and a final, with the aggregate score over two matches determining the winner.
Quarterfinals: The top eight teams are seeded based on their regular-season standings. In the first round, the 1st place team faces the 8th place team, the 2nd place team faces the 7th place team, and so on. The winners of each of these matchups advance to the semifinals.
Semifinals and Finals: The winners of the quarterfinals face each other in the semifinals, where the aggregate score of two legs decides the winner. The two semifinal winners then face off in a final, with the winner of the final being crowned Liga MX champion for the tournament.
Relegation
A unique aspect of Liga MX is the relegation system. The league follows a system where the bottom two teams in the standings are relegated to the Ascenso MX (the second-tier league). Relegation is determined by the coefficient of points earned over a three-season period (similar to other European leagues).
However, due to the current restructuring of Mexican football, there has been a suspension of relegation from the top flight, with Liga MX clubs voting to keep teams from relegation until 2026. This rule change allows teams to focus on long-term growth and development rather than worry about relegation.
The Best Teams in Liga MX
Liga MX has a number of historically successful clubs that dominate the league year after year. Let’s look at some of the best and most popular teams in the league.
Club América
Club América is one of the most successful and popular football clubs in Mexico. Based in Mexico City, América has a rich history, having won 13 Liga MX titles, making them the most successful team in the league’s history. Their iconic yellow and blue colors have made them a recognizable brand in football.
América has a passionate fanbase that fills their home stadium, Estadio Azteca, which has a capacity of over 87,000 spectators. The team is consistently one of the favorites in Liga MX, with top-tier players and a strong squad. Fans expect excellence every season, and Club América regularly competes in the Liguilla (playoffs).
Chivas de Guadalajara
Chivas de Guadalajara (also known simply as Chivas) is one of the most storied and beloved clubs in Mexican football. Based in Guadalajara, Chivas is known for its strong tradition of developing homegrown Mexican talent. They have won 12 Liga MX titles, making them one of the most successful clubs in Mexican football. Chivas’ fierce rivalry with Club América, known as the “El Súper Clásico”, is one of the most intense and exciting rivalries in the sport. The rivalry represents a clash of two of Mexico’s largest cities and footballing powers, and it is a match that never disappoints.
Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul is another powerhouse in Liga MX, having won 9 Liga MX championships. The club is based in Mexico City and plays its home games at the Estadio Azteca. Cruz Azul has had its share of ups and downs but has remained a consistent competitor in Liga MX. Cruz Azul’s fans, known as “La Máquina” (The Machine), are incredibly passionate and have supported their team through thick and thin. Their championship victory in the 2020 Clausura tournament was particularly emotional, as they had waited 23 years for another title.
Tigres UANL
Based in Monterrey, Tigres UANL has become one of the most dominant forces in recent Liga MX seasons. They have won 7 Liga MX titles, with their most recent championships coming in the 2017 Apertura and 2020 Clausura.
Tigres has a rich history of building successful teams through smart investments, strong youth development programs, and attracting international talent. Players like Andre-Pierre Gignac, who has been one of the league’s most prolific goal-scorers, have helped elevate Tigres to the top of Liga MX.
Monterrey (Rayados)
Monterrey, also known as Rayados, is another top club based in Monterrey, with fierce competition from Tigres UANL. Monterrey has also enjoyed great success, winning 5 Liga MX championships. The club’s fan base is loyal and dedicated, and they are known for creating a vibrant atmosphere at their home stadium, the Estadio BBVA.
Monterrey’s success has been attributed to their strong squad and their ability to attract top talent, both domestically and internationally. They have frequently competed in the CONCACAF Champions League, where they have earned recognition as one of the most competitive teams in North America.
Liga MX’s Most Iconic Games
Liga MX matches are filled with drama, excitement, and passion, and many games have become iconic in Mexican football history. Let’s take a look at some of the most thrilling encounters in recent years.
El Súper Clásico: El Súper Clásico is the most iconic and intense rivalry in Mexican football. It pits Club América against Chivas de Guadalajara, representing a clash between two of Mexico’s most popular cities Mexico City vs Guadalajara. These matches are always filled with high stakes, incredible fan support, and often dramatic storylines. The intensity of the rivalry is unparalleled, and the atmosphere in the stadiums can be electric.
Tigres UANL vs Monterrey (El Clásico Regio): Another fierce rivalry in Liga MX is the Clásico Regio, which features Tigres UANL and Monterrey (Rayados). Based in the same city of Monterrey, this rivalry is one of the most intense in Mexican football. The matches are closely contested, and fans of both teams bring immense passion and energy to the stands.
Club América vs Cruz Azul: The Final Showdown One of the most memorable matches in recent Liga MX history was the 2021 Clausura final, where Club América faced off against Cruz Azul. The match had everything intense drama, incredible goals, and a nail-biting atmosphere. Cruz Azul won the final, ending a 23-year championship drought, which made the victory even sweeter for their fans.
FAQs
What is the format of Liga MX games?
Liga MX games are played in a round-robin format during the regular season. Each team plays a total of 17 matches in the Apertura and Clausura. The teams with the highest points at the end of the regular season qualify for the Liguilla. The games are played home-and-away, with the final Liguilla games being determined through knockout stages.
What is the role of foreign players in Liga MX?
Liga MX allows a maximum of 10 foreign players per team, and many of these players come from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. Foreign stars have made significant impacts in the league, and the presence of international talent has elevated the competition’s profile.
Is there a promotion and relegation system in Liga MX?
Yes, Liga MX operates with a promotion and relegation system. The team that finishes last in the overall standings over a three-year period gets relegated to the second division (Ascenso MX), and the top team from Ascenso MX is promoted to Liga MX. However, this system has been temporarily suspended, with Liga MX considering a change to prevent relegation in the near future.
What is the significance of the “FIFA World Cup” for Liga MX players?
Many Liga MX players represent their respective national teams in the FIFA World Cup. The league has historically provided many key players for the Mexican national team, including Guillermo Ochoa, Javier Hernández, and Andrés Guardado, among others.
Can foreign fans support Liga MX?
Yes, Liga MX has a global following, and fans from all over the world can support their favorite teams. The league’s matches are often broadcast internationally, and there is a large online fan community discussing the games and players.
In Summary
Liga MX is one of the most exciting and competitive football leagues in the world, attracting millions of fans with its intense rivalries, talented players, and thrilling matches. Whether you’re watching from Mexico, the U.S., or anywhere else in the world, Liga MX offers top-tier football action with passionate supporters and historic clubs.
With its unique Apertura and Clausura format, intense Liguilla playoffs, and global star players, Liga MX continues to grow in popularity. Whether you’re looking to catch a match live, follow your favorite team, or learn more about Mexican football, there’s never been a better time to get into Liga MX.
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