Sergi Palencia: “We are starting to see that MLS is the stronger league”

The Los Angeles Fútbol Club defender offered his point of view on the Leagues Cup with many Liga MX advocators complaining about unfair home advantage.

Rodrigo SerranoRodASerranoPaul Reidypaulreidy67Update: Aug 10th, 2023 08:24 EDT

Gary A. VasquezUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The Leagues Cup is in its final stretch as we reach the quarter final stages of the competition with the overall verdict among players and fans generally being positive. With just eight sides remaining in the tournament (six from MLS and two Liga MX outfits), the semifinal pairings will be resolved after the four games on Friday.

Not many had a better night than @NashvilleSC's Walker Zimmerman last night.Find out why.#LeaguesCup2023

— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 9, 2023

However, from the outset of the tournament, Liga MX teams have complained about the long trips they have endured (the entire competition is being staged in US/Canada) and the fact that they cannot return to Mexico until they are eliminated. This clearly favours MLS sides and testament to this is the makeup of the quarter finalists with just two Mexican sides still in contention in Monterrey and Queretaro.

✅ Round of 32✅ Round of 16🔜 Quarterfinals pic.twitter.com/5mphS4X2LR

— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 9, 2023

LAFC’s Palencia on the competition

After eliminating Real Salt Lake 4-0 on Tuesday night at BMO Stadium in the Round of 16, LAFC player Sergi Palencia spoke about the controversy that has been generated by Liga MX clubs. The Los Angeles side secured a bye into the Round of 32 where the despatched Bravos de Juárez with a resounding 7-1 rout and the ‘Black and Gold’ remain among the favourites to win the title.