Mexico. Champions Tournament
The Campeón de Campeones, or Mexico's Champions Tournament, is the annual Mexican football super cup pitting the winners of Liga MX's Apertura and Clausura against each other. It crowns the nation's outright champion, heightening the drama in one of North America's most passionate leagues.
History and foundation
Launched in 1942 with Rayos de América as inaugural winners, the tournament paused from 1967-1996 due to league restructuring and skipped 2020 amid COVID-19. A quirky note: 1975 matches were held in the US, foreshadowing cross-border appeal. Highlights include Tijuana's 2-0 win over Cruz Azul in 2013 and América's 2019 triumph over Monterrey. América leads with 7 titles, followed by Cruz Azul and Chivas with 4 each.
Tournament format
Originally a single match, it evolved in 2016 to an 8-team event featuring top 4 from each tournament's playoffs. Since 2021, it features quarterfinals, semifinals, and a neutral-site final—often in the US—drawing huge crowds. Playoff format includes extra time and penalties.
Interesting facts
Matches average 2.8 goals, with thrillers like Pachuca's 4-3 over Monterrey in 2017. Top scorers: Francisco Palacios (3 goals, 1944), José Maximiliano Scorchesse, and modern stars like Rodrigo Elizalde (Pachuca). Icons include Hugo Sánchez (Pumas, 1982), Rafael Márquez (Monterrey, 2010), and André-Pierre Gignac (Tigres, 2023). It showcases Liga MX's flair with Brazilian and Argentine talents like Thiago Andrade.