In the realm of Mexican soccer, discussions often revolve around the “big four” teams of Liga MX. The spotlight typically falls on Club América, Chivas, Cruz Azul, and Pumas, who consistently attract the attention of the sports media. As the most prominent and powerful clubs in the country, they not only lead Liga MX but serve as the standard against which other teams measure their ambitions. However, with their victory in the 2025 Apertura final on Sunday, Toluca has established itself as a formidable part of this elite group.
“It was destiny,” commented star player and Mexico international Alexis Vega, expressing his feelings after scoring the decisive penalty in Sunday’s final.
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Securing their second consecutive title after an intense 12-round penalty shootout against Tigres that ended 9-8 following a 2-2 aggregate score, Los Diablos Rojos have solidified their place among the legends of Liga MX. With this triumph, Toluca claimed their 12th top-flight championship, tying them with Chivas on the all-time list. Notably, nine of these titles have been achieved in the last 30 years, showcasing their enduring prowess.
Bolstered by a passionate fanbase that showcased a tifo reading “Hoy y siempre unidos hasta el final” (“Today and always united until the end”), Toluca remains a significant force in Mexican soccer.
However, reaching the championship was no straightforward journey. While Toluca entered as the No. 1 seed following an impressive regular season, they had to face the challenges of playing without Vega until the final match due to injury. In every playoff round leading up to the finals, Los Diablos Rojos conceded the first goal.
In a tense moment against Tigres during the final, Toluca fell behind 1-0 after a blunder from goalkeeper Hugo Gonzalez in the first leg. In a bold move, manager Antonio Mohamed chose to start backup Luis Garcia for the decisive second leg. As expected in the playoffs, Toluca found themselves in pursuit of a lead.
The situation worsened when Fernando Gorriaran scored in the 14th minute of the second leg, following a free kick from André-Pierre Gignac that slipped through Garcia’s hands.
Facing a two-goal deficit to remain in contention for the final, cameras caught a couple in the stands at Estadio Nemesio Diez engaged in fervent prayer for some divine intervention. Their calls for unity were reflected in the team’s performance.
“We’re like a family,” remarked captain Marcel Ruiz, emphasizing the strong bond among teammates. “Our love extends beyond the field; we are family, devoted to one another.”
A stunning goal from Brazilian winger Helinho in the 40th minute and a subsequent equalizer from Portuguese striker Paulinho in the 52nd minute brought the aggregate score to 2-2, leading to a tense penalty shootout.
With a rosary in hand, Mohamed nervously watched as the shootout reached sudden death. By the 11th round, the goalkeepers stepped up, with Garcia saving a penalty from Nahuel Guzman, ensuring Toluca’s chance remained alive. At that moment, Mohamed found it too stressful to observe.
“I didn’t even see the penalties,” Mohamed confessed post-match. “I just listened for the crowd’s reaction.”
El gol del título 🏆 en este final de película 🥹 https://t.co/v1rrZxksdw pic.twitter.com/ztBcmkpOsZ
— Toluca FC (@TolucaFC) December 15, 2025
Returning from injury, Vega made a significant impact during his first playoff appearance, taking a moment before taking the decisive shot that defined the match. He calmly slotted the ball past Guzmán, sealing back-to-back championships and bringing Toluca their 12th title.
In the excitement following the final whistle, the 28-year-old academy graduate leapt into the stands to celebrate with the fans, singing along with them in joyful revelry.
While often overshadowed by the big four, especially given their proximity to the cultural and sporting hub of Mexico City, Los Diablos Rojos now have immense reasons to celebrate. This victory is not merely about another trophy but also about solidifying their place among Mexico’s elite soccer clubs.
For decades, the big four have dominated Liga MX, and even though the league boasts a reputation for parity, conversations largely revolve around these four teams. However, that dynamic appears to be shifting, and if the outcome had favored Tigres, another team heavily investing in the modern era, the discussions would have been similar.
With Club América leading the all-time titles with 16, Toluca trails with 12, alongside Chivas. If Tigres had emerged victorious, they would have tied with Cruz Azul, holding nine titles.
The successes of both Toluca and Tigres underscore that investing in players and infrastructure—such as Toluca’s pioneering “player care department”—is key to on-field achievements. However, this victory serves as a reminder that Liga MX is evolving, regardless of the traditional giants. And Toluca is eager for even more success.
“It’s not a dynasty just yet,” insisted Mohamed. “But we aim to keep winning. We enjoy being in this position, and we’ll continue along this path.”