América, Chivas, and Tigres face rare instability as Liga MX grows more competitive

The top Mexican clubs faces more competition in Liga MX.
Tigres UANL v Cruz Azul - Torneo Apertura 2025 Liga MX
Tigres UANL v Cruz Azul - Torneo Apertura 2025 Liga MX | Azael Rodriguez/GettyImages

During the Apertura 2025, Liga MX has witnessed a rare phenomenon: the so-called “big clubs” —América, Chivas, and Tigres— have shown inconsistency, a lack of finishing, and performances that fail to convince their fans.

Despite having some of the most expensive squads in the league, their results have fallen short of expectations, sparking criticism toward executives and coaching staff alike.

For Club América, defensive errors and excessive reliance on players like Henry Martín or Alejandro Zendejas have cost them key points. Chivas, meanwhile, remains caught between flashes of brilliance and long spells of mediocrity, struggling with scoring droughts and heavy media pressure.

Tigres, once a model of dominance, are going through a generational transition that has yet to find balance, with a roster divided between veterans and inexperienced young players.

This collective slump among the top clubs highlights a deeper issue in Mexican football: the absence of long-term sporting projects. Many teams prioritize short-term goals —winning titles quickly or responding to fan pressure— over building solid foundations.

Frequent coaching changes, inconsistent scouting strategies, and poor player management have weakened continuity and identity. The result is a cycle of instability that no amount of money or marketing can fix.

In contrast, smaller clubs like Pachuca and Toluca have demonstrated that consistency and planning yield results. Their investments in youth academies and modern analytics have made them competitive despite having lower budgets.

This shift suggests that the Liga MX is entering a new era, where innovation and strategic thinking matter more than history or star signings.

The situation raises a broader question: have these traditional powerhouses become stagnant? In a league that grows more competitive each year —with clubs like Pachuca, León, and Toluca building stronger long-term projects— money and history no longer guarantee success.

Effective management, youth development, and tactical stability have become the new pillars of sustained competitiveness. The crisis of the giants is not only about results —it’s about identity. To reclaim their dominance, these clubs must reinvent themselves beyond big names and big budgets.

Do you think the “big clubs” still hold a real advantage in Liga MX, or has Mexican football entered a new era of balance?

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