- Toluca, باتشوكا، و النمور secured their spots in the next round
- The final ticket is between FC Juárez and Puebla
- América, كروز أزول, and Chivas were already eliminated
The elimination of América, Chivas, Cruz Azul, مونتيري, and Pumas from the كأس الدوري did not sit well with the Mexican media, who didn’t hold back in criticizing the current level of الدوري المكسيكي الممتاز. The four so-called “giants” of Mexican football were already eliminated heading into the final matchday of the group stage, drawing heavy backlash.
“A lot of people don’t want to admit it, but we’re witnessing the darkest era of Mexican football,” said Javier Alarcón, host of ESPN’s Futbol Picante panel. “Liga MX teams keep hiding behind the excuse that playing MLS teams is tough – the fields, the travel. Today, Mexican football was mopped up, and there’s no clear way out of this strange experiment meant to create a rivalry. The stadiums are empty, the fans in the U.S. aren’t turning up in meaningful numbers, maybe the strategy is more about the app – to get you hooked so you’ll pay to watch MLS – but otherwise, it’s not working.”
Meanwhile, on Fox Sports analysts claimed that Liga MX rewards mediocrity due to its playoff format, where 10 of 18 teams qualify.
“There are teams that carry more responsibility than others – these [four] were the usual playoff contenders. Now, two clubs that are normally bottom-dwellers (Club Puebla and FC Juárez) are fighting for a spot,” said journalist Gustavo Mendoza. “Why do we have to go to the U.S.? The atmosphere, the fields? We used to go to South America, play the Libertadores and Sudamericana – why are we complaining now? Overcoming adversity is what helps you grow.”
Rubén Rodríguez, also on the same debate table, added: “The tournament was created to bring the league closer to the U.S., not for the teams to actually compete.”
However, despite growing sentiments that Leagues Cup matches should be played in المكسيك, in addition to the U.S., most feel Mexican clubs should do better within the parameters already in place.
“Why don’t you make more of an effort to adjust with what you’ve got? The business is over there – there’s no point in LAFC coming to play in Mexico,” said David Faitelson on Línea de 4.
The harsh criticism of the Leagues Cup format and Liga MX clubs’ participation hasn’t stopped – especially after contenders like América, Cruz Azul, and Monterrey were eliminated. Still, Mexican champions Toluca secured the top spot in the Liga MX group, reaffirming their strong form. Pachuca and Tigres, two big spenders in the transfer market, also advanced to the next round and will be serious title contenders.
Efraín Juárez reacted to Pumas’ elimination after their 3–1 loss to انتر Miami:
“Look, there are a lot of factors – it was a format we’re not used to. Out of the 18 Liga MX teams participating in the Leagues Cup, only four advanced. So that means the other 14 of us are idiots? That’s how it is.”
As the Leagues Cup winds down for many, attention turns back to the Apertura 2025, which resumes this weekend.
América will host Querétaro on Saturday, and Chivas travel to face سانتوس لاجونا on Sunday. On Monday, Monterrey visit León in a star-studded clash between Sergio Ramos and James Rodríguez, while Cruz Azul will be on the road against Atlético San لويس.
