Necaxa Vs Querétaro Necaxa Vs Querétaro: A Fiery Liga MX Clash
The rivalry between Club Necaxa and Querétaro F.
C.
is one of Liga MX’s most understated yet fiercely contested matchups.
While not as historic as the Clásico Nacional or as volatile as the Clásico Tapatío, their encounters often deliver high drama, tactical battles, and moments of controversy.
Beneath the surface, this fixture reflects deeper issues in Mexican football financial instability, fan culture, and the league’s competitive imbalance.
# The Necaxa-Querétaro rivalry encapsulates the broader struggles of mid-table Liga MX clubs: financial constraints, inconsistent performances, and fan engagement challenges, all while serving as a microcosm of the league’s growing disparity between elite teams and the rest.
# Both Necaxa and Querétaro operate under significant financial constraints compared to Liga MX giants like América or Monterrey.
Necaxa, once a powerhouse in Mexican football (winning titles in the 1990s), has struggled to regain prominence after years of ownership changes and budget cuts.
Querétaro, meanwhile, has faced instability due to frequent managerial turnover and reliance on loan players.
A 2022 report by highlighted that Querétaro’s annual budget was less than a third of León’s, a comparable mid-table team.
Necaxa’s financial struggles were further exposed when star player Maximiliano Silvera was sold to Europe in 2023 to balance the books.
These limitations force both clubs to rely on youth development and bargain signings, making consistency difficult.
# The 2022 Querétaro fan riot where violent clashes led to suspensions and league-wide reforms cast a dark shadow over Mexican football.
While Necaxa’s fanbase is relatively peaceful, the incident raised questions about security and fan engagement in smaller-market clubs.
Journalist Tom Marshall () argued that Liga MX’s focus on lucrative TV deals has neglected matchday experiences for fans of less glamorous teams.
Necaxa averages just 15,000 attendees per game, while Querétaro’s numbers plummeted post-riot.
Without passionate fanbases, these clubs struggle to generate revenue or create an intimidating home advantage.
# Matches between Necaxa and Querétaro often hinge on tactical flexibility.
Necaxa’s high-pressing style under former coach Jaime Lozano contrasted with Querétaro’s defensive pragmatism.
However, both teams suffer from frequent managerial changes Querétaro had four coaches in 2023 alone, disrupting any long-term project.
Scholar José Macías () notes that Liga MX’s revolving door coaching culture disproportionately affects smaller clubs, as impatience from ownership stifles development.
This was evident in Necaxa’s 2023 season, where a promising start collapsed after a mid-season coaching change.
# The Necaxa-Querétaro rivalry also highlights Liga MX’s growing divide.
While América and Tigres invest heavily in star players, mid-table clubs rely on loans and academy products.
A 2023 analysis revealed that Necaxa and Querétaro ranked in the bottom five for squad market value.
This disparity affects competitiveness.
In their last five meetings, both teams traded wins, but neither has challenged for a title in over a decade.
Former player turned analyst Alejandro Berry () argues that Liga MX’s playoff system helps smaller clubs stay relevant but masks systemic inequities.
# The Necaxa-Querétaro dynamic reflects wider issues in Mexican football: financial inequality, fan disengagement, and short-term thinking.
Without reforms such as revenue sharing or stricter ownership regulations clubs outside the elite will continue to struggle.
# The Necaxa-Querétaro rivalry is more than just a mid-table clash; it’s a lens through which Liga MX’s structural flaws become visible.
Financial limitations, fan culture challenges, and managerial instability hinder both clubs, mirroring the league’s broader inequities.
While their matches deliver excitement, the underlying issues demand attention if Mexican football is to achieve true competitive balance.
Without change, clubs like Necaxa and Querétaro risk becoming permanent afterthoughts in a league increasingly dominated by a select few.