Mexican Championship. Liga de Ascenso
The Liga de Ascenso, Mexico's second-tier football league, serves as a thrilling proving ground for clubs hungry for promotion to Liga MX. It blends fervent fan support, tactical ingenuity, and relentless competition, with 24 teams battling through a grueling season where every point counts toward elite status.
History and foundation
Founded in 1946 as Liga Mayor de Ascensos, it evolved into a cornerstone of Mexican football. In the 1950s, it fueled the growth of the sport, sending stars to Primera División. Notably, Hugo Sánchez honed his skills here before Pumas stardom. The 1990s introduced playoffs, and the 2020 pandemic tested resilience with shortened seasons. Clubs like Atlético San Luis and Juárez FC have ascended, highlighting the league's impact.
Tournament format
The season spans July to April, split into Apertura and Clausura tournaments. Each features a 22-match regular season (home-and-away round-robin). Top 12 advance to Liguilla playoffs: quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. Tournament winners contest a Super Final for direct promotion. The Copa de la Liga de Ascenso adds extra excitement.
Interesting facts
Known for high-scoring affairs, averaging 2.8 goals per game, spiking in playoffs. All-time top scorers include José Martín Quiñones (over 100 goals) and current marksmen like Matteo Corrvilain of Atlante. Standouts: Alfredo Tenorio Ríos of León in the 2000s and Guillermo Ochoa’s early Indios days. Emerging stars like Edson Luviano dazzle with dribbling and vision, priming for Liga MX. It's a talent factory for El Tri.