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The Leagues Cup 2024 has been a disappointment so far for the Mexican clubs that have participated in the Group Stage. What initially appeared to be a manageable competition for Liga MX has turned out to be quite different due to the dominance of MLS.
Teams such as Pumas, Querétaro, Puebla, Mazatlán, León, and Xolos have failed to secure victories in their respective matches against MLS clubs. Among these teams, only the auriazules and fronterizos are currently in the top 10 of the general table for Apertura 2024 in Liga MX, holding second and eighth places, respectively.
In the specific case of Chivas, the team managed by Fernando Gago drew in regular time against the San José Earthquakes; however, they lost the extra point awarded in the Leagues Cup after the match went to a penalty shootout.
Atlas, the Liga MX ‘surprise’ that won against MLS
The team led by Beñat San José achieved the only victory for Mexico in this trinational competition, defeating Hector Herrera’s Houston Dynamo.
Currently sitting in sixth place in the general table of Apertura 2024, the Guadalajara team managed to beat the American side thanks to a brilliant last-minute goal from Rivaldo Lozano at the Shell Energy Stadium, which will also host Tigres and Puebla on Matchday 2 of the Leagues Cup 2024.
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Liga MX ‘heavyweights’ enter the 2024 Leagues Cup
After a long wait, clubs like Cruz Azul, Monterrey, Tigres, Toluca, and Pachuca are set to debut in the competition against MLS. With the goal of improving Mexico’s performance in this tournament, these teams are heavily favored to advance to the Round of 32, given the quality of football they have shown so far in Apertura 2024.
La Máquina will face Charlotte FC, a team currently positioned in the middle of the MLS standings. Meanwhile, the Rayados will aim to ‘avenge’ Pumas against Austin FC.
The other royal team in Liga MX, Tigres, will look to eliminate their fellow compatriots Puebla when they visit Hector Herrera’s ‘home’ in Houston. Likewise, Toluca and Pachuca will begin their participation in the 2024 Leagues Cup against Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls, respectively.
The Leagues Cup 2024: A Rocky Road for Mexican Clubs
The Leagues Cup 2024 has been a challenging tournament for Mexican clubs, particularly those in Liga MX. This year, the competition, initially perceived as a golden opportunity for Mexican teams, has revealed a stark reality: the overwhelming dominance of the MLS clubs.
Disappointing Start for Liga MX Teams
In the initial Group Stage matches, several teams including Pumas, Querétaro, Puebla, Mazatlán, León, and Xolos have found themselves without a win against their MLS counterparts. Remarkably, of these clubs, only Pumas (auriazules) and Xolos are currently positioned within the top ten of the Apertura 2024 Liga MX general table, standing at second and eighth place, respectively.
Chivas and Their Rocky Path
Chivas, guided by coach Fernando Gago, managed to secure a tie against the San José Earthquakes in regular time. However, their fortunes changed during the penalty shootout, where they lost the crucial extra point in the Leagues Cup, emphasizing the intense competitiveness of the tournament.
Atlas: A Beacon of Hope for Mexican Clubs
Amidst the struggles, Atlas emerged as a surprising victor. Under the leadership of Beñat San José, they secured the sole victory for Mexican clubs by defeating Hector Herrera’s Houston Dynamo. Atlas has performed well, currently ranking sixth in the Apertura 2024 table. Their win came courtesy of a stunning last-minute goal by Rivaldo Lozano at the Shell Energy Stadium, which will host more matches, including those of Tigres and Puebla in Matchday 2 of the Leagues Cup 2024.
The Heavyweights of Liga MX Enter the Fray
As anticipation builds, powerhouse teams like Cruz Azul, Monterrey, Tigres, Toluca, and Pachuca are set to make their entrance into the 2024 Leagues Cup. These clubs have demonstrated outstanding form in the Apertura 2024, positioning them as favorites to advance to the Round of 32 and elevate Mexico’s performance in this season’s tournament.
Upcoming Matches Featuring Liga MX Titans
- Cruz Azul vs. Charlotte FC – A crucial match for La Máquina against a middle-ranking MLS team.
- Monterrey aims to avenge earlier losses suffered by Pumas against Austin FC.
- Tigres seeks to overpower Puebla in a showdown at Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium.
- Toluca and Pachuca will debut against Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls, respectively, marking the beginning of their Leagues Cup journey.
Analyzing Performance: A Closer Look at the Group Stage
Group Stage Results Summary
| Team | MLS Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pumas | Austin FC | No Win |
| Querétaro | LA Galaxy | No Win |
| Puebla | NY Red Bulls | No Win |
| Atlas | Houston Dynamo | Win |
| Chivas | San José Earthquakes | Loss on Penalties |
| Xolos | Seattle Sounders | No Win |
Practical Tips for Liga MX Clubs in Future Tournaments
To improve their performance in international competitions like the Leagues Cup, Liga MX clubs should consider the following strategies:
- Strengthen Training Regimens: Focus on physical conditioning to better match the competitive style of MLS teams.
- Scouting MLS Players: Analyze MLS gameplay and adapt strategies accordingly to counter their strengths.
- Team Cohesion: Enhance team chemistry through more friendly matches before the tournament.
- Embrace Technology: Utilize data analytics for performance reviews and tactical adjustments during games.
Expected Takeaways from Leagues Cup 2024
As the competition progresses, the performance of Liga MX teams is under scrutiny. The current situation emphasizes the need for adaptation and improvement. Continued engagement in tournaments like the Leagues Cup could be critical for Mexican clubs, as it presents an opportunity for growth and international exposure.
