Football BaBe
Crisis Hits Liga MX: Major Teams Exit Leagues Cup Sparking Intense Media Backlash
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the soccer community, prominent Liga MX clubs including Club América, Chivas, Cruz Azul, Monterrey, and Pumas have been knocked out of the Leagues Cup, prompting widespread criticism and calls for reform in Mexican football. This debacle highlights deeper issues within the league, as analysts point to structural flaws and competitive shortcomings against MLS opponents. With only a handful of teams advancing, the tournament has exposed vulnerabilities, urging a reevaluation of strategies to restore the prestige of Mexican soccer on the international stage.
- Toluca, Pachuca, and Tigres secured their spots in the next round
- The final ticket is between FC Juárez and Puebla
- América, Cruz Azul, and Chivas were already eliminated
Media Outrage Over Leagues Cup Failures in Mexican Football
The abrupt departures of powerhouse squads like América, Chivas, Cruz Azul, Monterrey, and Pumas from the Leagues Cup have ignited fierce debates across Mexican media outlets, highlighting concerns about the overall competitiveness of Liga MX. These dominant forces, often referred to as the elite pillars of the league, bowed out before the group stage concluded, fueling a storm of disapproval and introspection.
Analysts Label It the Lowest Point for Liga MX
Prominent commentator Javier Alarcón, from ESPN’s Futbol Picante, didn’t mince words, declaring that Mexican soccer is navigating through its most challenging phase yet. He dismissed common justifications like difficult pitches and long journeys when facing MLS sides, arguing that the league has been thoroughly outplayed in this cross-border competition. Alarcón suggested the event might be more focused on boosting streaming subscriptions than fostering genuine rivalries, noting sparse crowds and limited fan engagement in American venues-much like how some international tournaments prioritize commercial gains over sporting merit.
Critiques of Liga MX’s Playoff System and Overall Standards
Experts on Fox Sports have pointed fingers at the league’s lenient qualification rules, where more than half the teams-10 out of 18-make the playoffs, potentially encouraging subpar performances. Journalist Gustavo Mendoza highlighted the irony of perennial underdogs like Puebla and FC Juárez vying for advancement, while traditional heavyweights falter. He reminisced about past ventures into tougher competitions like the Copa Libertadores, questioning why current complaints about U.S.-based challenges overshadow the growth opportunities they present, similar to how European clubs adapt to varying conditions in continental play.
Fellow panelist Rubén Rodríguez echoed this by stating that the Leagues Cup seems designed primarily to expand market reach in the United States rather than to test true athletic prowess.
Debates on Leagues Cup Format and Calls for Adaptation
Amid suggestions to host some matches in Mexico to balance the playing field, many voices insist that Liga MX clubs must elevate their game under the existing setup. For instance, incorporating 2024 statistics showing MLS teams winning 65% of head-to-head matches against Mexican sides underscores the urgency for improvement, with recent examples like LAFC’s dominant runs illustrating the gap.
Adapting to Challenges Without Major Changes
David Faitelson, appearing on Línea de 4, urged teams to maximize their resources in the current environment, emphasizing that lucrative opportunities lie in the U.S. market. He argued against expecting opponents like LAFC to travel south, comparing it to how global businesses adapt to dominant markets rather than demanding symmetries.
The ongoing scrutiny of both the tournament structure and Liga MX’s involvement persists, particularly following the ousters of frontrunners such as América, Cruz Azul, and Monterrey. Yet, there’s a silver lining with Toluca, the reigning Mexican title holders, clinching a leading position and demonstrating resilience. High-investment outfits Pachuca and Tigres have also progressed, positioning themselves as formidable challengers for the crown.
Reactions from Inside the Teams
Following Pumas’ 3-1 defeat to Inter Miami, coach Efraín Juárez reflected on the unfamiliar tournament setup and the broader implications. He noted that with just four out of 18 Liga MX participants moving forward, it raises questions about collective capabilities rather than isolating blame, akin to how underperforming leagues often face systemic reviews after international setbacks.
Shifting Focus Back to Domestic Liga MX Action
As the Leagues Cup chapter closes for most clubs, the spotlight returns to the Apertura 2025 season, kicking off again this weekend with key fixtures on the horizon.
Upcoming Matches to Watch
América aims to rebound at home against Querétaro on Saturday, while Chivas head to Santos Laguna for a Sunday showdown. Monday features a high-profile encounter as Monterrey takes on León, pitting stars like Sergio Ramos against James Rodríguez, and Cruz Azul faces an away test versus Atlético San Luis.
