MEXICO CITY — On Sunday night, Toluca triumphed over UANL Tigres in a dramatic penalty shootout, claiming the Apertura tournament title with a final score of 9-8. This victory marks them as the fifth team since 1996 to secure consecutive titles in the Mexican league.
The match began with Fernando Gorriaran giving Tigres an early lead in the 12th minute. However, Brazilian winger Helinho equalized in the 41st minute, and Portuguese striker Paulinho scored to put Toluca ahead in the 52nd, resulting in a tense showdown that ended with a 2-2 aggregate after extra time.
In the first leg of the final, former Atlético Madrid winger Ángel Correa had given Tigres a 1-0 advantage. However, he missed a crucial penalty kick during the shootout, allowing Toluca’s Alexis Vega to convert his second penalty and clinch the win for the home team.
With this victory, the Red Devils have joined Pumas, León, Atlas, and America as teams that have won back-to-back league titles in Mexico since the league began hosting two tournaments per year in 1996.
Toluca has now achieved a total of 12 league titles, tying with Chivas as the second-most successful team in Mexico, behind America’s 16 titles.
Coach Antonio Mohamed secured his fifth league title in Mexico, closing in on the all-time leaders Ignacio Trelles and Ricardo Ferretti.
Alexis Vega played a pivotal role, scoring two penalties, including the decisive game-winner.