Mexican Super Cup
The Mexican Super Cup is an annual football showdown kicking off the Mexican season, pitting the Liga MX champion (from Apertura or Clausura) against the Copa MX winner. Revamped in 2020 to include more teams, it now delivers heightened drama and spectacle. Beyond the prestige, it's a vital early-season benchmark for clubs gearing up for the grueling Liga MX campaign.
History and foundation
Launched in 1988 as Super Copa, the competition faltered due to economic woes and league instability, with sporadic editions until its 1996 revival and stabilization as Campeones Cup in 2014. The 2020 overhaul introduced a 12-team group stage—top two from each Apertura/Clausura phase plus cup winners. Memorable moments include Monterrey's 4-0 thrashing of Cruz Azul in 2021 and América's 2023 title defense. América leads with 7 wins, followed by Pumas and Tijuana with 3 each.
Tournament format
Current setup features a group stage with 12 clubs in 4 groups of 3. Group winners advance to quarterfinals, semis, and a grand final, often on neutral venues or in the US for global appeal. Previously, it was a single clash between league and cup champs.
Interesting facts
Known for goal-fests, averaging 3.2 goals per game amid counterattacks and rusty defenses. Top scorers: Rodrigo Hols (Pachuca, 3 in 2023), Henry Martín (América), and Uriel Antuna. Standouts include Guillermo Ochoa's clutch saves for América, Alvaro Fidalgo's flair at Tijuana, and icons like Carlos Vela from earlier editions. It's a launchpad for rising stars like Rodrigo Bentancur.