Hey Lykkers! 🏆⚽ Let's dive into the exciting world of the Torneo Apertura 2024, a key chapter in Mexico's top football competition. This year's tournament has been full of thrilling moments, and we're here to break it all down for you.

Whether you're a fan of América, Monterrey, or any of the 18 participating teams, this article will give you the inside scoop on everything that went down, what's new, and what to expect as we move through the tournament.

The Overview: A New Season, New Challenges

We kick off with the basics. The Torneo Apertura 2024 is the 112th edition of the Liga MX, Mexico's premier football league. It's part of the 2024-2025 season and, as always, promises intense competition and unforgettable football action. The opening match took place on July 5th, 2024, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey toward the championship.

The biggest headline from the tournament? Club América clinched their 16th league title, defeating Monterrey with a global score of 3–2. Not only was this their third consecutive title, but it also marked their first championship victory outside the iconic Estadio Azteca. For América fans, this was a moment of historic proportions, as they secured their place in football history.

The Road to the Final: The Unforgettable Journey

We know that the road to the final isn't always easy, and this year was no exception. América faced off against Monterrey in a thrilling showdown. The club from Coapa displayed incredible resilience, overcoming Monterrey's fierce challenge to secure the win. This victory marked América's third consecutive title, a feat that hadn't been achieved by any team since the short tournament format was introduced. Their historic win also made them the first team to win a league championship in a final played away from Estadio Azteca.

One of the more notable changes for América this season was their temporary switch to the Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes. This move was prompted by renovations at the Estadio Azteca in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But despite the change in venue, América's championship run was unstoppable.

How the Tournament Works: A Look at the Format?

As fans, we understand that knowing how the competition works is key to enjoying the action. The Torneo Apertura 2024 is divided into two phases: the qualification stage and the final phase.

• Qualification Phase: This part consists of 17 rounds where all 18 teams play against each other in a round-robin format. Teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. The top 10 teams at the end of these rounds automatically qualify for the playoffs, while teams ranked 7th through 10th will battle it out in the Play-In round.

• Play-In Round: For the first time, this round serves as a pre-playoff opportunity. The teams ranked 7th through 10th in the general standings will face off to determine the final spots in the quarterfinals. The winner of the match between the 7th and 8th teams will qualify for the quarterfinals, while the loser will play against the winner of the 9th and 10th place teams in another showdown for the final spot.

Final Phase: A Fight for Glory

After the Play-In round, the top 8 teams qualify for the quarterfinals. These teams are re-ranked based on their final positions in the standings. From this point, the tournament moves into a knockout format, where teams must win their home-and-away matchups to progress.

• Quarterfinals: The top eight teams will be matched up as follows:

o 1st vs. 8th

o 2nd vs. 7th

o 3rd vs. 6th

o 4th vs. 5th

Each matchup is played over two legs, one at each team's stadium. If the scores are tied after both games, the higher-seeded team advances. This ensures that every match is full of intensity and drama.

• Semifinals: The winners of the quarterfinals move on to the semifinals, where they are ranked from 1st to 4th according to their position in the general standings. The matchups will be:

o 1st vs. 4th

o 2nd vs. 3rd

• Finals: The final will be contested by the two semifinal winners, with the overall champion decided by the combined score of two legs. If the score is tied after both games, extra time and penalty kicks will determine the winner.

Key Statistics: What Made This Year Special?

There were plenty of standout moments during this year's tournament. Some key stats to remember:

• Top Scorer: Paulinho from Portugal claimed the title of top scorer with 13 goals, leading the charge for his team.

• Best Offensive Team: Cruz Azul's offense was impressive, scoring a total of 39 goals throughout the regular season.

• Best Defensive Team: Cruz Azul also had the best defense, conceding only 12 goals in the regular season.

• Fair Play Award: Atlético San Luis earned the Fair Play Award, recognizing their sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

These statistics highlight the intense level of competition in the league, showcasing the individual talents and team strategies that defined the 2024 Apertura.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Liga MX?

As we wrap up this year's Torneo Apertura 2024, we can already look forward to the next chapter. With teams like América, Monterrey, Cruz Azul, and many others continually raising the stakes, the next season is sure to bring more excitement and drama to Mexican football.

So, Lykkers, what do you think? Did America's historic win excite you, or are you rooting for another team in the coming seasons? Let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned for more football news as we continue to follow the action!