MEXICO CITY — Ángel Correa, the former winger for Atlético Madrid, netted a second-half goal on Thursday, leading Tigres UANL to a 1-0 victory over defending champions Toluca in the first leg of the Liga MX Apertura final.
The 30-year-old Correa, who recorded 88 goals and 65 assists in 469 matches with Atlético, made the switch to the Mexican club over the summer. He scored the decisive goal in the 46th minute with a header from a cross by former Real Betis player Diego Lainez.
During his time at Atlético, Correa played a key role in helping the team secure the Spanish league title in the 2020-21 season and reach the Champions League final in 2016.
Correa’s last match with Atlético was during the Club World Cup, where the team was unable to progress past the group stage.
Tigres is chasing its ninth league title and seventh since 2011, bolstered by a squad that includes Argentinian goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán and former Olympique de Marseille striker André -Pierre Gignac, among others.
The return leg is scheduled for Sunday at the Nemesio Diez stadium in Toluca, approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of Mexico City.
Toluca is aiming for its 12th league title and aspires to become the fourth team to win consecutive championships since 1996.