It took 120 minutes and 24 penalty kicks for Toluca to be crowned champions of the 2025 Liga MX Apertura Tournament.
After a 2-1 victory at Estadio Nemesio Diez and a 2-2 aggregate draw due to Tigres’ win at El Volcán, the “Red Devils” prevailed 5-4 in penalties, winning their twelfth league title in club history.
In this way, Toluca became two-time champions of Mexican soccer, adding their second consecutive title after their victory in the Clausura 2015. The victory was anything but easy for Toluca, as they had to come from behind and overcome a 2-0 aggregate deficit. Fernando Gorriarán had put them on the ropes in the 14th minute of the match, scoring the first goal at the Nemesio Diez stadium and making it 2-0 on aggregate, a heavy burden for the home team.
However, the Red Devils didn’t give up on their quest for the title, and near the end of the first half, they were rewarded for their efforts. After persistent pressure and testing Nahuel Guzmán on several occasions, they finally pulled one back with a left-footed shot from Helinho. His powerful strike rattled the left post, and the rebound fell into the net, past the Argentine goalkeeper.
In the second half, at the 52nd minute, the home team found the equalizer with a great finish from their top scorer, Paulinho.
With the series tied, Toluca gained confidence, controlled possession better, and began to find space against an opponent that could no longer simply defend.
However, Tigres reacted, pushing forward and searching for the equalizer with longer spells of possession, but they encountered a solid Toluca side, intense in their marking and determined not to give ground. Every recovery was celebrated like a goal by a crowd that pushed them on until the final whistle. The final stretch was absolute tension. Tigres tried with crosses, long-range shots, and set pieces, but Toluca held firm with discipline and heart.
In the second half, Alexis Vega entered the field, marking his return from injury, and received a standing ovation from the fans in the stadium.
In stoppage time, Toluca received bad news as their star player, Paulinho, had to leave the field due to injury.
In extra time, Toluca tried to hold on without their spearhead in the center of their attack. Tigres dominated and created dangerous chances, but near the end of the second extra period, Toluca, playing with their last reserves of energy, began to overwhelm their opponents. However, the score remained unchanged, and the match went to penalties.
Toluca thus concluded a memorable tournament and confirmed their greatness with a championship forged at home, with authority and character. Tigres, a worthy finalist, fell just short of glory in an intense series decided by the smallest of margins. Liga MX has a champion, and the throne is once again painted red.
