@ClubAmérica
WHAT HAPPENED?
The elimination of América, Chivas, Cruz Azul, Monterrey, and Pumas from the Leagues Cup did not sit well with the Mexican media, who didn’t hold back in criticizing the current level of Liga MX. 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 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 , 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 Mexico, 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 .