Liga MX, officially known as Liga BBVA MX for sponsorship reasons, is the cornerstone of professional football in Mexico. Founded in 1943, it features 18 teams competing in two annual tournaments: the Apertura (July to December) and the Clausura (January to May). Each tournament concludes with a playoff stage called the liguilla, where the top teams vie for the championship. The term “posiciones liga mx” refers to the league standings, a critical metric for fans tracking team performance. Liga MX is renowned for its passionate fan base, intense rivalries, and role in developing talent for the Mexican national team. With high attendance and significant viewership in the United States, it ranks among the top football leagues globally, drawing comparisons to Europe’s elite competitions. This article explores the current posiciones liga mx, historical context, key figures, and the league’s broader impact, offering a deep dive into Mexico’s football culture.
Current Standings (Posiciones Liga MX)
As of May 12, 2025, the posiciones liga mx for the Clausura 2025 tournament reflect a fiercely competitive season. Here are the standings:
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toluca | 37 |
| 2 | Club América | 34 |
| 3 | Cruz Azul | 33 |
| 4 | Tigres | 33 |
| 5 | Necaxa | 31 |
| 6 | León | 30 |
| 7 | Monterrey | 28 |
| 8 | Pachuca | 28 |
| 9 | Juárez | 24 |
| 10 | Pumas | 21 |
| 11 | Chivas | 21 |
| 12 | Querétaro | 20 |
| 13 | Tijuana | 19 |
| 14 | Atlas | 18 |
| 15 | San Luis | 18 |
| 16 | Mazatlán | 17 |
| 17 | Puebla | 9 |
| 18 | Santos Laguna | 7 |
These standings, sourced from Mediotiempo, determine which teams advance to the liguilla, with Toluca leading the pack and Santos Laguna struggling at the bottom.
Analysis of Top Teams
The top teams in the posiciones liga mx have showcased exceptional form. Toluca, with 37 points, has been a standout, blending a robust defense with clinical attacking play under coach Miguel Herrera. Club América, with 34 points, remains a powerhouse, driven by their attacking flair and experienced squad. Cruz Azul and Tigres, both at 33 points, have demonstrated resilience, with Tigres benefiting from veteran leadership. These teams are well-positioned for the liguilla, where their depth and tactical acumen will be tested. Their performances reflect the high stakes of Liga MX, where consistency in the regular season sets the stage for playoff success.
Key Players to Watch
Several players have been pivotal in shaping the current posiciones liga mx. Henry Martín of Club América leads the league in goals, his predatory instincts making him a constant threat. André-Pierre Gignac of Tigres, a veteran striker, continues to influence games with his skill and experience. Juan Ignacio Dinenno of Toluca has been crucial, contributing both goals and assists. Uriel Antuna of Cruz Azul adds pace and creativity, while Jesús Corona of Monterrey provides leadership in goal. These players, among others, are central to their teams’ aspirations in the playoffs, making them ones to watch as the season progresses.
Coaches’ Impact
Coaches are the architects behind the success of Liga MX teams. Miguel Herrera’s high-pressing style has propelled Toluca to the top of the posiciones liga mx. Fernando Ortíz at Club América has instilled a winning mentality, leveraging his squad’s talent effectively. Ricardo Ferretti, a seasoned tactician at Tigres, brings discipline and organization, ensuring his team remains competitive. These coaches’ strategies, from formation choices to in-game adjustments, significantly influence their teams’ standings and playoff prospects, highlighting their critical role in the league’s competitive landscape.
Relegation Battle (or Lack Thereof)
Although promotion and relegation are suspended until 2026, as noted in Wikipedia, teams at the bottom of the posiciones liga mx face significant challenges. Santos Laguna, with only 7 points, and Puebla, with 9 points, have struggled, grappling with poor form and internal issues. While they won’t face relegation, low standings can lead to financial strain, reduced fan support, and difficulties attracting talent. These teams must focus on rebuilding to improve their fortunes in future tournaments, as their current positions highlight the competitive nature of Liga MX.
History of Liga MX
Liga MX, originally founded as Liga Mayor in 1943, marks the beginning of professional football in Mexico. It evolved into the Primera División de México before adopting its current name. The introduction of the liguilla in 1970 revolutionized the league, adding a playoff system that heightened excitement. Over the decades, Liga MX has produced iconic players like Hugo Sánchez and Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who have elevated Mexico’s global football profile. The league’s history, detailed in Goal.com, reflects its growth into a North American football powerhouse, with a legacy of passion and competition.
Format of the League
Liga MX’s unique format features two tournaments: Apertura and Clausura. Each includes a regular season where teams play 17 matches, followed by the liguilla playoffs for the top 10 teams. The top six advance directly to the quarterfinals, while teams ranked seventh to tenth compete in a play-in round. The playoffs, played over two legs, culminate in a final to crown the champion. This structure, explained in Wikipedia, ensures two champions annually, maintaining fan engagement and competitive intensity throughout the year.
Promotion and Relegation System
Promotion and relegation between Liga MX and Liga de Expansión MX are currently suspended until 2026, a decision made to stabilize clubs during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by ESPN. This suspension has sparked debate, with some arguing it reduces competitive pressure, while others believe it fosters long-term investment. The absence of relegation affects the bottom teams in the posiciones liga mx, allowing them to focus on rebuilding without the immediate threat of demotion.
Most Successful Teams
Club América leads Liga MX’s historical standings with 16 titles, followed by Guadalajara (Chivas) with 12, as noted in SI.com. Toluca has 10 titles, Cruz Azul 9, and León and Tigres 8 each. Pachuca, Santos Laguna, and Monterrey have also enjoyed success, with 6, 6, and 5 titles, respectively. These teams have not only dominated domestically but also excelled in continental competitions, reinforcing Liga MX’s reputation as a breeding ground for champions.
Rivalries in Liga MX
Liga MX is renowned for its fierce rivalries, which add emotional depth to the posiciones liga mx. El Súper Clásico between Club América and Chivas is the most iconic, pitting Mexico City against Guadalajara in a cultural showdown, as described in The18. The Clásico Regio (Monterrey vs. Tigres) and Clásico Tapatío (Chivas vs. Atlas) are equally intense, often influencing standings and playoff outcomes. These rivalries are cultural events, uniting and dividing fans across Mexico.
Impact of Liga MX on Mexican National Team
Liga MX is the primary source of talent for the Mexican national team, providing a competitive platform for players to develop. Stars like Javier Hernández and Hirving Lozano honed their skills in the league before moving to Europe. However, recent national team struggles, as discussed in SI.com, have led to scrutiny of Liga MX’s preparation of players for international competition. The suspension of relegation is cited as a potential factor reducing competitive pressure, though the league remains vital to Mexico’s football ecosystem.
Future of Liga MX
The future of Liga MX holds both opportunities and challenges. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, offers a platform to showcase the league’s strengths, as noted in AS USA. Efforts to attract international talent and improve infrastructure aim to enhance global appeal. However, the ongoing suspension of relegation raises questions about long-term competitiveness. Liga MX’s leadership is focused on youth development and modern training methods to ensure continued success, positioning the league as a key player in North American football.
FAQs about Liga MX
- How many teams are in Liga MX?
There are 18 teams in Liga MX. - How many tournaments are played each year?
Two: Apertura and Clausura. - What is the liguilla?
The liguilla is the playoff stage where the top 10 teams compete for the championship. - Is there promotion and relegation in Liga MX?
Currently suspended until 2026. - Which team has won the most titles?
Club América with 16 titles. - What is the biggest rivalry in Liga MX?
El Súper Clásico between Club América and Chivas. - How does Liga MX impact the Mexican national team?
Liga MX is the main source of players for El Tri, though its effectiveness is debated.
