Inter Miami defender Sergio Busquets and Club León’s Andrés Guardado have both voiced their support for the Leagues Cup format that skips extra time in favor of a penalty shootout to decide tied matches. Both players highlighted the benefits of this rule, particularly in terms of allowing players to consistently perform well despite the demanding schedule of the tournament.
Excitement for Penalty Shootouts
According to the Leagues Cup rules, any matches that end in a tie at full time will proceed directly to a penalty shootout. The winning team will receive two points, while the losing team will settle for one. Busquets praised the format, stating, “It’s a different format, but very necessary. Penalties make it more exciting, but playing lots of games in a limited amount of time for players on a physical level is difficult.” Guardado also expressed his approval, adding, “In the end, you can’t lose sight of the show. In that sense, for the public it’s very entertaining for the public to be decided by penalties after 90 minutes.”
Physical Demands and Showmanship
Both players emphasized the challenges of playing multiple games in a short timeframe due to the crowded calendar. Guardado emphasized the importance of maintaining the entertainment value for the fans while also considering the physical strain on the players. He mentioned, “For the players, it’s welcome from a physical aspect to be able to play games at a great level in a short amount of time.”
The Leagues Cup made its debut in 2023, marking the first time Liga MX and MLS collaborated in an official capacity. Prior to this, the leagues had participated in friendly matches and other competitions, but never in a fully integrated tournament format. Both leagues made modifications to the tournament to accommodate the teams, including the introduction of hubs for Liga MX teams to reduce travel.
Focus on Quality and Growth
Liga MX president Mikel Arriola emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of the tournament and ensuring the best conditions for the competition. He stressed the need for top-notch referees, sources of income, and logistical coordination to prioritize the players and teams’ well-being. Guardado acknowledged the ongoing efforts to improve the tournament and expressed a desire for future editions to be held in Mexico.
Guardado highlighted the collaborative efforts between MLS and Liga MX to enhance the tournament and drive growth. He anticipated further progress and changes in the upcoming editions of the Leagues Cup that would benefit both leagues. As the competition unfolds from July 26 to Aug. 25, all 47 MLS and Liga MX clubs will engage in a thrilling battle to advance to the knockout round.
The feedback from players like Busquets and Guardado sheds light on the positive aspects of the Leagues Cup format and the efforts to enhance the tournament’s quality and appeal to fans. The ongoing evolution and collaborative spirit between MLS and Liga MX promise exciting prospects for the future editions of the competition.
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