The thirteenth spot in Mexican football could still reach the final phase of the season’s competition.
The return of resit to the MX league since the Guardians 2020 tournament has sparked a lot of debate. Under this format, teams finishing between fifth and twelfth place compete for four tickets to the quarterfinals, keeping the race alive longer and reshaping the knockout stage.
Fans and analysts argue that this arrangement can feel unfair, because some clubs enter the final phase with relatively low win rates. For Closure 2023, there is even talk of an unprecedented scenario: the 13th place in the overall table could still make a run in the Liguilla, the league’s playoff stage, if other conditions align.
In GOAL we break down the reasons why the thirteenth team might still be in contention for the title in this edition:
WHY CAN PLACE 13 BE IN LIGUILLA?
During Closure 2023 the 13th position could qualify for the Liguilla as long as Querétaro finishes within the top 12. If a team finishes near the bottom of the percentage table and receives the associated penalty, it cannot be a title contender because the rules forbid participation in the playoffs for those in that penalty category. This creates a nuanced path where a mid-table club could advance, depending on how the rest of the standings unfold and on the performance of the teams above and below it.
The regulatory framework balances competitive integrity with the unpredictable nature of football. It requires clubs to maintain consistent results across the season, while also leaving room for dramatic late surges that can redefine the playoff picture. The possibility of a 13th-placed team advancing underscores the league’s emphasis on ongoing performance and situational outcomes rather than final placement alone.
Ultimately, the discussion centers on how the league’s rules shape the postseason landscape, the incentives they create for teams at the margins, and the excitement they generate among fans who monitor every weekend’s results. (Goal)