As the upcoming 2020 Liga MX Guardianes season gets ready to kick-off, we have compiled some of the things you should be on the lookout. The league is using the name Guardianes whose literal translation means guardians, to honor the first responders who have been facing the challenges that Covid-19 has brought to most parts of the World.

This Thursday will mark the first time an official match gets underway since the pandemic forced Liga MX to cancel its season. Now let’s dive into what will be some of the most exciting storylines this upcoming Liga MX Guardianes season.

Covid-19

Yes, unfortunately, the Coronavirus could play a key role in many ways. Not only was it one of the reasons the league is using the name Guardianes, but also even before the season kicks-off, the virus has shown its unpleasant presence. Last week, Chivas Head Coach, Luis Fernando Tena, contracted the virus and was forced to miss the latter part of Guadalajara’s run in the Copa por Mexico tournament.

Several outlets are reporting that ten Bravos players have tested Covid-19 positive. However, there are no indications of the postponement of the opening game of the season between Juarez and Atletico San Luis as the border team would ultimately suit-up youth players.

*********UPDATE***********

The match between San Luis v.s. Bravos is postponed to Monday night.

Covid-19 will continue to be more than a storyline, but also a threat to the health of the players. If things get out of control, one should not be surprised if Liga MX pulls the plug and cancels the season yet again.

Adios Monarcas, Hello Mazatlán F.C.

In what some would call a shady deal, Mazatlán F.C. was born. To the delight of the people from Sinaloa, but the dismay and frustration of the Michoacanos. It was literally from one-day-the-next that the Monarcas Morelia franchise disappeared, and its owners packed their bags and moved to Mazatlán.

One can see the excitement surrounding the new franchise; however, they started rubbing some people the wrong way. It started with their social media campaign using the #ARREbatando, which translation means to take away. Some could it see it as though they were throwing salt on the would of hear-broken Monarcas fans, but others would defend it as verbiage used by that local community.

Regardless of one’s opinion, the team made significant splashes by unveiling a brand new stadium and nick-naming it El Kraken. They also signed Paco Palencia as head coach, and it appears as though the owners are ready to spend money to bring big-name players in the future. Despite all this, the move remains controversial, and you can bet that most of the Morelia fans will not be rooting for the team from Sinaloa, at least that is what they told us on our YouTube video below in the comments section. The coastal team debuts this Friday night versus Puebla at El Kraken.

The Playoff Changes

This change appears to be a money move from the league as they will attempt to recuperate from the financial losses the pandemic has caused. The new structure is significant, as 12 teams will make the playoffs. That is correct, 12 teams! The first four clubs in the table will clinch an automatic spot to the quarterfinals, while seeds 5-12 will play in a repechage according to their respective seedings. The repechage will be a single game elimination with the 5-8 seeds hosting the match. In the case of a tie, there will be no extra-time, and penalty kicks will decide the outcome. Some speculate now that 66 percent of the teams in the league will earn a playoff spot, that the squads may not play every game with the same level of intensity.

All Teams Are Safe

One of the reasons why teams play hard towards the end of the season, even when the sides no longer have a shot at making the playoffs is to avoid relegation. Starting this season, however, all Liga MX teams will be safe from that as the league has decided to postpone relegation for five years. As top-flight Mexican squads continue to struggle financially, the organization felt that stability was needed to help them overcome the many financial challenges. The question remains; how will that impact the entertainment aspect, primarily once teams are eliminated and do not have to worry about relegation?

Another Cruzazuleada?

When last season was canceled because of the pandemic, La Maquina Celeste del Cruz Azul was playing the best football in Liga MX. The team from Mexico City was riding a ten-game unbeaten streak, including victories in 9 of those games in all competitions. Just when many of us thought that the Cruzazuleadas were ending, the Coronavirus stepped in. That was not Los Cementeros’ fault, but it was a clear indication that the curse is alive and well.

The team heads into the Guardianes tournament as one of the heavy favorites. In addition to their undefeated streak in official matches, Robert Dante Siboldi’s side swept the Copa por Mexico tournament and lifted that tiny little trophy. Regardless of the physical size of that cup, their performance in the competition should boost Cruz Azul’s confidence and expect them to be a force to be reckoned with this upcoming campaign.