Apertura vs. Clausura [Explained]

The intensity, drama, and passion of Latin America Football are unparalleled.

Much of this is fueled by the two distinctive tournaments: Apertura and Clausura.

These are two important football tournaments that are held in Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentine, and Uruguay.

Although the nature of the game is similar in both tournaments, there are some important differences between the Apertura and Clausura competitions that can be challenging to understand.

As such, this article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two tournaments, offering a brief overview of each and highlighting their significance in the world of Latin American football.

Brief Overview of Apertura and Clausura

In the ever-evolving world of football leagues, the use of split seasons is an emerging trend.

And being a football fan, if you have not heard about Apertura and Clausura, then you are definitely missing something big.

Below given is a brief overview of these tournaments.

What Are These Tournaments?

Apertura and Clausura are two tournaments of a single football season played mostly in Latin American countries.

Both tournaments are part of a single season, and the format includes round-robin matches of 18 teams where each team faces each opponent once.

The top 8 teams on the score table qualify for a playoff, often known as La Liguilla, and then further compete to determine the champion.     

Origin of Apertura and Clausura Tournaments

Firstly started in 1967 in Argentina, these split tournaments have a rich history that extends several decades back.

However, the format was slightly different until 1991, when the current format of tournaments was introduced.

The basic idea aimed to divide the season into two halves, with separate champions for each half to hype the intensity and engagement in the game.

The format successfully fulfilled the expectations and was thus soon adopted by other countries.

Countries and Leagues with Split Season Format

With the growing popularity of Apertura and Clausura, split-season formats are being adopted worldwide in all football leagues, especially in Latin America.

The most famous countries include Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile.

While the most famous leagues following this format include Mexican Liga MX, the Argentine Primera Division, the Uruguayan Primera Division, and the Paraguayan Primera Division.

Apertura vs. Clausura: Key Differences

Despite being a relatively recent innovation, the popularity of Apertura and Clausura format tournaments is on the rise.

This format has replaced the traditional league system in many countries across South and Central America.

While the opening and closing of each season are clear, there remains some ambiguity surrounding the differences between the Apertura and Clausura formats.

The following is a detailed comparison of the key distinctions between these two tournament structures to provide greater clarity.

Difference of Meaning

Apertura and Clausura are Spanish words and indicate two different parts of a football season.

The word Apertura means “opening”; thus, it refers to the season’s opening. In contrast, the word Clausura means “closing”, referring to the end of the season.

Timing and Duration

The Timing and Duration of both tournaments vary accordingly to country.

For example, in Mexico, the season’s first half starts in July every year and lasts until December, while the second half starts in January and lasts until June.

On the other hand, in Argentina, the duration of Apertura is from August to December, and Clausura falls between February and June.

Number of Teams in the Tournament

Similar to the timing and duration, the number of teams in each tournament also depends on the league or country where tournaments are being played.

Mexico’s Liga MX, one of the most famous leagues of the Apertura and Clausura format, allows 18 teams in each tournament.

Contrary to this, in Argentina, the number of teams varies seasonally.

In some seasons, the allowed team limit is 20, while in some seasons, it is 30.

Format of Tournaments

Like the above two, the format also depends on country and league. Mexico’s Liga MX has standard playoff systems, with the top 8 teams moving forward to playoffs.

While in Argentina, the formats vary seasonally. One season could follow the round-robin format, and the next could be of knock-off style.

Scoring and Tie-Breaking Regulations

Scoring rules are mostly the same in both Apertura and Clausura. Each team is given 3 points for a win, 0 for a loss, and 1 for a draw.

But, in the case of tie-breaking, each league and country follow its own set of rules.

Promotion and Relegation Implications

In the case of promotion and relegation, both tournaments have significant implications.

In most cases, the team at the lowest point table is relegated to the lower division.

And a team with the highest points in the lower division finds its place in the tournaments.

Eventually, adding more passion, drama, and excitement to the tournaments.

Transfer Window

One more nominal difference between both tournaments is the transfer window.

In the first half of the tournament, the Apertura, the transfer window opens in the summer. And in the second half, the Clausura, it opens in winter.

Number of Games for Each Team

Both tournaments clearly differ regarding the number of games for each team.

In Apertura, the total number of games for each team is 17, while in Clausura, there are 19.

One more difference related to games is the frequency of matches. Apertura is the long half of the season, so one game per team is played each week.

On the other hand, in Calusura, the short half, each team has to play 2 games each week.

Fan’s Support

Though it’s not a factual value, the level of fan support is quite different in both halves of the season.

In Apertura, being the start of the season, all teams come with a clean slate, thus with increased hope and optimism among fans.

Contrary to this, in Clausura, a less forgiving attitude and a sense of urgency can be witnessed among fans.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Apertura and Clausura Format

It has been several decades since the inception of the Apertura and Clausura formats.

Being an innovation, the format has both advantages and disadvantages. Below given are some of them.

Advantages of Apertura and Clausura Format

1. Escalated Competition: The two-tournament format has visibly increased the competition by providing more opportunities. Furthermore, the format also supports upscaling teams from the lower division to improve and qualify for the tournament.
2. More Fair and Transparent Game: With a more balanced schedule, the format provides equal opportunities for each team. This significantly reduces the chances of luck and external factors.
3. More Money: Besides increased passion and engagement of fans, this format also brings excellent financial benefits. More revenues from airing rights, ticket sales, and sponsorships can significantly help the clubs to improve their overall infrastructure.

Disadvantages of Apertura and Clausura Format

1. Shorter Season: Compared to other formats, Apertura and Clausura format has shorter seasons. This makes it difficult for teams to recoup setbacks and build momentum.
2. Complexed Nature of System: Being an innovation with quite a different set of rules, it can be quite difficult for fans to understand the nature of the tournament, especially if they are not well aware of the rules and regulations.

The Bottom Line

Even though the Apertura and Clausura system is new and has complex rules and regulations, it is acclaimed across Latin America.

The format provides exciting games and opportunities for teams to compete in the CONCACAF championship league.

Furthermore, it’s individual preferences and perspective that makes an exciting tournament.

The Apertura and Clausura format is an integral part of Latin American football leagues. And, indeed, its unique characteristics make it popular among the fans.