Liga MX (Mexican Championship)
Liga MX stands as Mexico's premier professional football league, featuring 18 top clubs in a thrilling contest. Since 2020, it has adopted a calendar-year format, moving away from the Apertura and Clausura splits to a single 17-match regular season round-robin. Renowned for its passionate fanbase, high-octane matches, and commercial appeal, it draws global eyes, especially in the US via the Mexican diaspora.
History and foundation
Rooted in early 20th-century clubs like Asturias and Paco, Liga MX formalized in 1943 as the Professional League. The Apertura-Clausura system arrived in the 1970s, injecting excitement. Club América leads with 14 titles, Guadalajara (Chivas) close with 12. Iconic moments include Necaxa's 1996 triumph over Toros Neza and the 2013 match-fixing scandal. The league has weathered earthquakes and COVID, emerging stronger each time.
Tournament format
The season kicks off with a 17-game round-robin, qualifying the top 12 for the Liguilla playoffs. Quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals are two-legged ties, with seeding advantages. Liguilla winners claim the championship and a CONMEBOL Libertadores spot. Relegation pits the bottom three against Ascenso MX sides in play-ins.
Interesting facts
Known for scoring prowess at 2.8 goals per game, top scorers include José Cardozo (222 for Monterrey) and Sebastián Abreu. Legends: Hugo Sánchez (Pumas roots before 474 European goals), Raúl Arias; stars like Rogelio Funes Mori (200+ for Monterrey) and Hirving Lozano. Tigres' flair, América's power fuel goal fests with technical forwards.