The Mexican Soccer League, officially known as Liga MX, operates on a unique Apertura (opening) and Clausura (closing) seasonal format. Following a 17-game regular season where each team faces every other team once, the top teams advance to the playoffs, known as the Liguilla, to determine the champion. Club América currently holds the title, achieving back-to-back championships, a feat previously accomplished only by Pumas, León, and Atlas. The Apertura season typically kicks off just before the Leagues Cup, with teams entering the summer showcase having already played four regular season matches.
Liga MX: Structure, History, and Dominant Teams
Liga MX’s distinct two-season format sets it apart in the world of soccer. The Apertura tournament begins in the summer and concludes in December, while the Clausura runs from January to May. This dynamic system ensures a continuous flow of exciting matches and championship contention throughout the year. Following the 17-game regular season in each tournament, eight teams qualify for the Liguilla, a single-elimination playoff bracket culminating in a two-legged final to determine the champion.
Liga MX boasts a rich history, with organized soccer in Mexico dating back decades before the league’s formal establishment as the Primera División in the 1940s. The league rebranded to Liga MX in 2012, but long-time fans still fondly remember the Primera División era. Four clubs stand out as the “grandes” (giants) of Liga MX: Club América, Cruz Azul, Pumas UNAM (all based in Mexico City), and Chivas de Guadalajara. These teams have consistently dominated the league’s history, amassing numerous titles and passionate fan bases.
In recent years, Monterrey and Tigres, rivals from the northern state of Nuevo León, have emerged as formidable contenders, investing heavily to challenge the traditional powerhouses. Monterrey, nicknamed “Rayados” for their striped jerseys, notably achieved the deepest run among Liga MX teams in the 2023 Leagues Cup, even eliminating their rivals Tigres in a thrilling quarterfinal match held in a sold-out Houston stadium.
Other consistently successful clubs include Toluca, boasting ten titles (though their last victory was in 2010), and Club León, with eight Liga MX trophies. These teams, along with other rising contenders, contribute to the ongoing excitement and competitiveness that define the Mexican Soccer League. Cruz Azul, Pumas, Tigres, Toluca, and Atlas all started off the Apertura undefeated after the first four matches.
The Mexican Soccer League’s unique structure, rich history, and fiercely competitive teams ensure its continued prominence in the world of soccer. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, exploring Liga MX offers a vibrant and captivating sporting experience.
