Mexican Championship. Liga de Balompié
Liga MX, also known as Liga BBVA MX, is Mexico's top professional football division featuring 18 elite clubs. The season splits into Apertura and Clausura tournaments, each culminating in the LIGA playoff phase. This league blends fiery Latin passion with tactical sophistication, captivating millions across Latin America and beyond.
History and foundation
Founded in 1943 as the Mexican Professional League, with Real España as inaugural champions. The Apertura-Clausura split arrived in the 1970s, mirroring South American models. Mexico hosted World Cups in 1970 and 1986, elevating the league's profile. Fun fact: Mexican clubs won four straight Copa Libertadores in the 1990s (Cruz Azul, Colo Colo—no, wait: Pachuca, América, etc.—actually Cruz Azul '97, etc.). COVID-19 halted 2020, but swift resumption showcased resilience.
Tournament format
Season divided into Apertura (July-Dec) and Clausura (Jan-May). 18 teams play a single round-robin (17 games each). Top 12 advance to LIGA playoffs: quarterfinals, semis, final. Aggregate Apertura+Clausura leader gets bye advantages. Rules mandate 8 Mexicans on field; managed by Liga MX association with transfer windows.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.6, favoring counterattacks and set pieces. All-time top scorer: José Tenorio (254 for Atlas). Icons include Hugo Sánchez (200+ goals for Pumas/San Luis), Claudio Suárez (700+ appearances), Raúl Arias. Stars today: Hirving Lozano (ex-Pachuca), Rodrigo Pineda (Tigres), Guillermo Ochoa (América alum). América (14 titles) and Chivas (12) fuel rivalries like El Clásico Nacional.