Liga MX, Mexico’s top flight, is in the midst of its Apertura phase in 2024 after returning from the CONCACAF Leagues Cup. All teams compete in a 17-game schedule to determine qualification and seeding for the playoffs. 10 teams qualify for the playoffs, with two wild cards and an 8-team single-elimination bracket deciding the victor of the season. Continue reading to access an expert Liga MX betting preview and explore Liga MX stats, tips and a breakdown of Liga MX futures.
- Liga MX Apertura
- Regular season followed by playoffs
- July 5, 2024 to December 2024 (depending on Club World Cup)
- Mexico
- Fubo
Liga MX Betting: A Wide Open Field in Mexico
Cruz Azul, who have flown to an undefeated start so far this campaign, are 3:1 favorites to win the Apertura phase. Other top competitors include Tigres UANL (+360), Monterrey (+450), and Club America (+500). Chivas (+900), Toluca (+900) and Pumas UNAM (+1400) represent a third tier of contenders in Liga MX. All other clubs are (+2800) or greater.
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What to Know for Liga MX Betting: Format and Schedule
Liga MX is one of the most-followed leagues in all of global soccer, surpassing even top European divisions in attendance and TV ratings. But it has a very interesting format based on two distinct seasons per year. The Apertura and Clausura phases split the year in half, with two 17-game regular seasons determining two playoff tournaments. This means that out of a single table of 18 teams, two champions are crowned within one year.
This format came about at a time when smaller clubs struggled to avoid declaring bankruptcy. Club America was dominating in Mexico for decades, and controlled a majority of the revenue as a result. By introducing a playoff to determine the champion, there was more luck involved. That introduced chaos gave smaller teams a chance to string together a strong run and go deep in the tournaments, earning more prize money and eyes on their club.
Of course, the newer format bristled many traditionalists who preferred the typical regular season championship style. But it quickly caught on with modernists and was a far better way to financially support the league. 16 different teams have won a championship since the introduction of the two-phased format, making a total of 24 different clubs to win a title in Mexico. Such parity should be welcomed with open arms by soccer fans accustomed to dominance by richer clubs in Europe, especially in France, Portugal, Spain and Germany.
Club America Losing its Grip at the Top?
Club America has been on a freefall in recent weeks. The famous Mexican club, essentially synonymous with soccer in Mexico, crashed out of the Leagues Cup in the early rounds of the knockout stage to the Colorado Rapids. Then, in their return to Liga MX, they dropped a game to Puebla 1-0. Puebla had been winless in the last 17 fixtures with America.
Now Las Aguilas must regroup and find their identity of winning soccer again. The club looked very flat and uncreative offensively in their games against Colorado and Puebla. They failed to score in either match despite being big favorites. This comes just a few months away from America’s Clausura 2024 triumph. America also won Apertura 2023, meaning they have won back-to-back seasons in Liga MX, automatically winning the Campeon de Campeones (Champion of Champions).
The Eagles currently sit in 12th in Liga MX. While this is certainly cause for concern, I believe America can address their problems in the attack and make a comeback within this phase. They have the best home atmosphere in the country and by far the most visiting fans. With success still fresh in their memory, I think a line of (+500) is a bit disrespectful to the current Champion of Champions.
Mazatlan to Make Another Cinderella Run?
Mazatlan are fresh off the heels of a seriously impressive Leagues Cup run. The club advanced past the group stage and knocked out DC United on the road. Then they took down Cruz Azul on penalties to reach the quarterfinals. They even pushed Philadelphia to penalties on the road, finally bowing out in a razor-thin shootout. It was a remarkable achievement for a club founded after the pandemic.
Indeed, Mazatlan FC just turned four years old and were one of the best teams in North America this summer. While their domestic campaign hasn’t gotten off on the right foot, they have shown their might in a bracket format and returned to Liga MX with plenty of confidence. They destroyed Pachuca 3-0 at home for their first win of the season.
Yet bookmakers seem to be slow in picking up this turnaround from the young Gunners. Mazatlan is priced at (+15000), implying they have just 0.7%. I would make their chances much higher, especially in a season that seems more open than ever. Stay conservative in your betting wager but take the risk on Mazatlan to earn their first-ever trophy.
Odds are accurate at time of writing but subject to change.
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