In the first two rounds of the Leagues Cup 2025, 13 penalty shootouts were played, and Liga MX was the clear winner: 9 wins compared to 4 for MLS teams.
The full figure sums up the Mexican supremacy in this form of playoffs, despite the fact that MLS and Liga MX have been evenly matched in results during the 90 minutes of play.
Even competition in regular time
After 36 games (18 per league) of the Leagues Cup, MLS narrowly leads with 10 regulation time wins, compared to 8 for Liga MX.
However, many MLS victories were blown away by penalty shootouts that yielded key points.
In the tournament format, there are no ties:
If a match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it is decided by penalty kicks.
The winning team receives 2 points in total (1 for the tie + 1 additional), while the losing team gets 1 point.
What this means for Liga MX and MLS
Liga MX has taken advantage in penalty kicks:
A key resource to score extra points and improve their chances of advancing.
Teams such as Toluca, Pumas, América, Rayados, Chivas and Cruz Azul were in charge of transforming their shootouts into additional victories in this Leagues Cup.
In the tournament format, there are no draws
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For its part, MLS managed late comebacks that led to a draw in regular time, forcing shootouts and earning some bonus points, albeit with less overall success.
Final day and road to the quarterfinals
Buzzy
The third day of the Leagues Cup Phase One will be played from August 5 to 7, 2025.
This date will definitively determine which four clubs from each league will advance to the quarterfinals.
Penalty shootouts will continue to be relevant:
Any automatic tie will lead to a shootout, and winning there means an extra point that could decide who moves on to the next round.
What should U.S. Hispanic fans know?
Penalty shootouts are decisive in this format: they add up to essential points for advancement.
Liga MX has shown psychological strength in penalty kicks.
MLS could make up ground if it can maintain results in regular time and improve on penalty kicks.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
