The mediocre excitement is over

The already much worn-out discourse of Mexican football, where the excitement of the famous playoff-repechage-play-in-final phase is talked about, or any of the many names by which this mediocre format has been known, has come to an end, at least in this Clausura 2024.

We cannot deny it; while we all agree that it is exaggerated for more than 50% of the participating teams to be able to vie for the title, we can also accept that – indeed – those last matchdays (where everything can change and everyone can ‘squeeze’ into the final phase) become very attractive.

But this time the mathematics failed. The tournament is completely divided, and except for the 11th place, there will hardly be any more modifications and emotions in the general table

In the 9th, 10th, and 11th places, respectively, we find Guadalajara, Pumas, and León. The latter two with 20 points each, and today only the goal difference places the university team in the Final Phase zone.

The problem arises further down, as behind these mentioned teams comes Santos with 15 points. In other words, there’s a 5-point difference, and only 9 points remain to be disputed. The math is simple: the team from Torreón will have to win all their matches and hope for losses from the 3 teams above them. Something that really seems very difficult, if not impossible.

With this, the excitement of the regular season will be reduced to knowing in which place each team will qualify. This has its dramatic touch, but it’s far from those season endings where everything could change, and a victory or defeat separated you from the final phase and elimination. Today we have 90% of the teams qualified with 3 matchdays left.

Continuing with the term used in the headline of this blog, how mediocre it is that big teams like Chivas and Pumas are resorting to using calculators in the final rounds to qualify as TENTH in the general standings. Yes, below the middle of the table. This result, in any of the world’s major leagues, would mean a disastrous season, out of the title race, and far from international competitions.

Can you imagine a season where Real Madrid or Barcelona finish tenth? Or seeing Inter Milan and Juventus fighting to end the campaign in ninth place? These results would be a catastrophe and would represent drastic changes in the institutions, but in our Liga MX, this can mean an ‘acceptable’ season, as the ‘objective’ of qualifying for the final phase was achieved in the end

The pressure, demands, and obligations of the top teams cannot vary according to the format of the local tournament. The major pretext and argument for why a tournament with such facilities is contested in Mexico is the famous ratings. For the owners of Mexican football and the television networks, it is important that there is something at stake in every match, even until the last matchday. At the same time, it is ironic that other emotions such as relegation and promotion are not considered for the same objective.

We are about to experience three completely decaffeinated matchdays. The fight for the top spot generates value, but all involved know that finishing first or third really doesn’t mean much. Finishing ninth or sixth also doesn’t make a big difference, even understanding that in the Play-In format, those who finish 6th and 7th have a “second chance” in case of defeat.

Today, Toluca, América, and Rayados would give us (in another format) a spectacular end to the tournament. All or nothing, knowing that they are playing for the title every matchday. Perhaps lower down, Cruz Azul, Tigres, and the surprising Necaxa would be clinging to qualification for an international tournament. Can you imagine the value that would have for the Rayos?

The mid-table teams would be there, without much excitement and deservedly forgotten. Meanwhile, at the bottom, the battle to remain in the category would be a genuine gladiator duel. Battles to the death, every second, every contested ball, aware of what it means to stay in the top division.

Unfortunately, in this Clausura 2024, the excitement will only arrive in the final phase. The last matchdays will give us the 10 qualifiers in advance and little more excitement. I mention this as an unfortunate situation because nothing will change this system.

It is urgent to understand that this format does not foster the competition or the necessary demands to face tournaments of greater value. The players know they are in a comfort zone and constantly play with a safety net.

The consequences are paid when the time comes to play everything in higher-level tournaments and competitions. Where the pressure and demands must be immense, and the footballer of Liga MX is not sufficiently prepared.

Next summer, a Club World Cup will be played, where Mexican teams will face off against the great powers worldwide, and there, possibly, another reality check for national football may come.

Even with all of this, we have 2 matchdays left to determine who advances to the final phase. Enjoy all the games by betting on www.mexplay.mx.

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