The Liga MX Femenil is more than just a football league; it’s a rapidly growing powerhouse in women’s sports. Each week, passionate fans follow the ups and downs of the Liga MX Femenil standings, tracking their favorite clubs as they battle for supremacy. This guide will provide an overview of the league, its importance, and a detailed look at the teams currently dominating the table. We will explore the key players driving success, analyze recent results, and uncover the exciting trends shaping the current season.
What is Liga MX Femenil?
Founded in 2017, Liga MX Femenil is the highest level of women’s professional football in Mexico. The league was established by the Mexican Football Federation to foster talent, create opportunities for female athletes, and build a professional pathway for women in the sport. It consists of 18 clubs, each affiliated with a men’s Liga MX team, creating natural rivalries and established fan bases from day one.
The league operates with two tournaments each year: the Apertura (opening), which runs from July to December, and the Clausura (closing), which takes place from January to May. In each tournament, teams compete in a single table format. The top eight teams in the standings at the end of the regular season qualify for the playoffs, known as the Liguilla. The Liguilla is a knockout tournament that ultimately crowns a champion.
The significance of Liga MX Femenil cannot be overstated. It has quickly become one of the most-watched women’s leagues in the world, regularly drawing impressive attendance numbers and high television ratings. This success has not only provided a platform for Mexican talent but has also attracted international stars, elevating the quality of play and increasing the league’s global profile.
A Look at the Current Liga MX Femenil Standings
The battle for the top spots in the Liga MX Femenil standings is always fierce. As the current season progresses, a few dominant teams have separated themselves from the pack, while others are locked in a tight race for a playoff position. The top of the table is often occupied by the league’s traditional powerhouses, known for their consistent investment and strong squads.
The “big four” of women’s football in Mexico—Tigres UANL, Club América, C.F. Monterrey (Rayadas), and Chivas de Guadalajara—are once again proving their mettle. These clubs have built dynasties through strategic recruitment, excellent coaching, and robust youth development programs. Their fixtures against each other are highlights of the season, often having a significant impact on the final standings.
Further down, teams like Pachuca, Tijuana, and Pumas UNAM are often in the hunt, challenging the established order and vying for a coveted spot in the Liguilla. The mid-table is a whirlwind of competition, where a single win or loss can dramatically alter a team’s playoff aspirations.
Top Teams Dominating the League
To truly understand the standings, we must look closer at the clubs leading the charge. These teams are setting the standard with their tactical discipline, offensive firepower, and defensive solidity.
Tigres UANL Femenil: The Perennial Contenders
No discussion of Liga MX Femenil is complete without mentioning Tigres. Known as Las Amazonas, they are the most successful club in the league’s history, with multiple championships to their name. This season is no different, as they sit comfortably at or near the top of the standings.
Their success is built on a foundation of tactical brilliance and a star-studded roster. Tigres often plays an attacking, possession-based style of football that overwhelms opponents. Their defense is equally impressive, conceding very few goals throughout the campaign.
Key Players:
- Stephany Mayor: A prolific forward and one of the league’s all-time leading goalscorers. Her ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments is legendary.
- Lizbeth Ovalle: Known as “La Maga” (The Magician), Ovalle is a dynamic winger whose creativity and dribbling skills can unlock any defense.
- Maricarmen Reyes: A versatile midfielder who contributes on both ends of the pitch, linking defense with attack and scoring important goals.
Club América Femenil: The Eagles Soar High
Club América is another powerhouse consistently challenging for the title. Based in Mexico City, Las Águilas boast a massive fan base and a squad filled with international talent. They play an aggressive, high-energy style that makes them one of the most exciting teams to watch.
América’s recent form has been exceptional, securing key victories against direct rivals and demonstrating their championship credentials. Their attack is particularly potent, often leading the league in goals scored.
Key Players:
- Katty Martínez: Nicknamed “Katty Killer,” she is a natural goalscorer with a phenomenal record. Her instincts inside the penalty area are second to none.
- Kiana Palacios: A versatile attacker who can play centrally or on the wing, Palacios brings speed, technical skill, and a keen eye for goal.
- Sarah Luebbert: The American winger provides pace and directness, consistently creating scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.
C.F. Monterrey: The Strength of Rayadas
C.F. Monterrey, or Rayadas, are the fierce local rivals of Tigres and a dominant force in their own right. They have also won multiple league titles and are known for their physical, well-organized approach to the game. Rayadas often feature a balanced team with a stout defense and a clinical attack.
Their consistency keeps them in the top tier of the Liga MX Femenil standings year after year. Matches between Rayadas and Tigres, known as the Clásico Regio Femenil, are among the most intense and anticipated fixtures of the season.
Key Players:
- Rebeca Bernal: A commanding center-back and the team’s captain. Her leadership and defensive prowess are crucial to the team’s structure.
- Christina Burkenroad: An American-born Mexican forward who is a constant goal threat. Her strength and finishing ability make her a handful for any defender.
- Jermaine Seoposenwe: The South African international adds flair and unpredictability to the attack, capable of both scoring and creating goals.
Notable Trends and Surprises
While the top teams often grab the headlines, the current season has revealed several interesting trends and a few surprises. One notable trend is the continued rise of investment in the league. Clubs are increasingly signing high-profile international players and improving facilities, which has elevated the overall quality of competition.
Another trend is the tactical evolution of the league. More teams are adopting sophisticated, modern playing styles, moving away from more direct approaches. This has led to more competitive and entertaining matches across the board.
In terms of surprises, teams like Pachuca and Tijuana have shown they can compete with the league’s elite. Pachuca, in particular, has invested heavily in its squad, bringing in global stars like Jennifer Hermoso in past seasons, signaling a clear intent to challenge for the title. Their performance is a testament to the league’s growing competitiveness, proving that the gap between the traditional powers and the chasing pack is closing.
The Road to the Liguilla
As the regular season winds down, every point becomes critical. For the teams at the top, the focus is on securing the highest possible seed for the playoffs, which grants home-field advantage. For those in the mid-table, the fight is for survival—a desperate scramble to clinch one of the final Liguilla spots.
The Liga MX Femenil standings are a dynamic and exciting story that unfolds each week. With passionate fans, world-class players, and intense rivalries, it has cemented its place as a premier destination for women’s football. Whether you are a long-time follower or a new fan, there has never been a better time to pay attention.
Related Posts
