Mexican Championship. Primera
The Mexican Championship, known as Liga MX or Primera División, is Mexico's top professional football league. Sponsored as Liga BBVA MX since 2023, it features 18 teams vying for the title and spots in continental competitions. Renowned for its high-energy matches, passionate fanbases, and influx of international stars, it's a cornerstone of North American soccer.
History and foundation
Founded in 1943 as the Mexican Professional League, it introduced the innovative Apertura and Clausura split-season format in the 1970s. A highlight was Mexico's 1970 World Cup hosting, with Liga MX stars shining on the global stage. Notably, it pioneered the Liguilla playoff system in the 1990s. Powerhouses like Club América and Chivas Guadalajara have claimed numerous titles, while past match-fixing scandals have added layers of intrigue to its rich narrative.
Tournament format
The season comprises two tournaments: Apertura (July-December) and Clausura (January-May). Each team plays a 17-game regular season in a single round-robin format, home and away. The top 12 advance to the Liguilla playoffs, featuring quarterfinals, semifinals, and a grand final. Winners qualify for the Campeón de Campeones Supercup and CONCACAF Champions League.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover around 2.7, emphasizing rapid counterattacks and set pieces. All-time top scorer is José Tenorio with 304 for América. Icons include Hugo Sánchez (career kickstarted here, 474 goals), Claudio Suárez (Chivas legend), and Raúl Jiménez. Modern standouts like Hirving Lozano, Rodrigo Aguirre, and Argentine forwards such as Germán Berterame highlight the league's talent pipeline to Europe.