Picture this: It’s two weeks before the end of the season, and your team—10th in the table—is still in with a shot at the title. In most leagues, that would be laughable. In Mexico’s Liga MX, it’s the norm. And that’s exactly why it’s so entertaining.
How Liga MX Works
While traditionalists might scoff at its unconventional format, Liga MX thrives on a system that fuels unpredictability, drama, and—most importantly—hope. It may not be the most “competitive” league in the usual sense of elite-level consistency, but it is arguably one of the most emotionally competitive, keeping fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Unlike Europe’s single-season formats, Liga MX runs two tournaments per year—the Apertura and the Clausura—giving clubs two shots at glory every calendar year. That alone increases the chances of seeing fresh storylines and surprise contenders. But what really makes the league a rollercoaster is the playoff system, which sends 10 of 18 teams into the postseason.
That postseason works as follows: the top six teams advance directly to the quarterfinals. Teams ranked 7 through 10 enter a play-in round known as the repechaje. The result is a league where almost every team still has a chance of making the playoffs just weeks before the end of the regular season.
A More Equitable League
And yet, this isn’t chaos. Liga MX still has its giants—Club América, Cruz Azul, Toluca, and the two powerhouses from Monterrey: Tigres and Rayados. These clubs often contend, thanks to deep pockets, strong fan bases, and talented rosters. But dominance is never guaranteed. Just ask fans of León, Santos, Atlas, Chivas, Pumas, or Pachuca—clubs that have all surged to titles or deep playoff runs in recent years. The mix of heavyweights and dark horses gives the league a compelling balance that most top European leagues lack.
Let’s compare: In the last 10 years, only four teams have won the English Premier League—Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and the miracle of Leicester. La Liga in Spain? Just three—Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid. Meanwhile, Liga MX has had eight different champions in the past decade. Only MLS, with seven different winners, comes close to matching that level of variety.
Critics argue that the format waters down the regular season or rewards mediocrity. Maybe. But the emotional payoff is undeniable. When your team is clinging to 10th place and still has a shot at silverware, every match matters. Every fan has reason to watch, to hope, to dream.
Liga MX may not deliver perfection, but it delivers what sports are ultimately about: emotion, unpredictability, and belief. In a footballing world where dynasties often drain the drama, Liga MX reminds us that hope never dies—and that’s what makes it one of the most entertaining leagues.
