It took 120 minutes and 24 penalty kicks for Toluca to be crowned champion of the Apertura 2025 Tournament of Liga MX.

After a 2-1 victory at the Nemesio Diez Stadium and a With the aggregate score tied 2-2 after Tigres' victory at El Volcan, the Red Devils prevailed 9-8 in penalties, winning their twelfth league title in their history. In this way, Toluca became back-to-back champions of Mexican soccer, adding their second consecutive crown after their Clausura 2015 victory. The victory was anything but easy for Toluca, as they had to come from behind and overcome a 2-0 aggregate deficit. Fernando Gorriaran had put them on the ropes in the 14th minute, scoring the first goal at the Nemesio Diez, making it 2-0 on aggregate and a heavy burden for the home side. 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 Guzman on several occasions, they finally broke through. Guzman, finally the consolation goal arrived with a left-footed strike from Helinho, whose powerful shot rattled the left post and the rebound fell into the net guarded by the Argentine goalkeeper. In the second half, in 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 the ball better, and began to find spaces against an opponent that could no longer simply defend. However, Tigres reacted, pushed forward, and sought the equalizer with longer spells of possession, but they encountered a solid Toluca side, intense in their marking and determined not to give up ground. Every recovery was celebrated like a goal by a crowd that pushed them on until the very last minute. The final stretch was one of absolute tension. Tigres tried with crosses, long-range shots, and set pieces, but Toluca resisted with organization and heart. In the second half, Alexis Vega entered the field, marking his return after injury. Receiving a great ovation from the people in the stadium.

In stoppage time, bad news arrived for Toluca, as their star player Paulinho had to leave the field due to injury.

For extra time, Toluca sought to resist without their spearhead in the center of the attack. Tigres dominated and created dangerous chances, but near the end of the second extra time period, Toluca was the team that overwhelmed their opponent with their last reserves of energy; However, the score remained unchanged and everything had to be decided from the penalty spot.

The dramatic penalty shootout

With the aggregate score tied and the fans on the edge of their seats, Toluca and Tigres stood in front of the goal to determine the new champion of Mexican soccer. At that point, we fans didn't yet know that the penalty shootout would be one of the most exciting in recent Liga MX history. The shootout began with Tigres taking the lead, but Nicolas Ibanez wasted the first attempt, sending the ball over the crossbar. Toluca didn't let the opportunity slip away, and Alexis Vega converted with confidence. Next, Fernando Gorriaran took his penalty for the Tigres and nearly missed, as Garcia got a touch on the ball, but he still found the back of the net. Isaias Simon responded for the Diablos Rojos, scoring to make it 2-1. Ozziel Herrera did his part for Tigres and kept them in the game, but Toluca missed an opportunity when Pereira blasted his shot over the bar. Uriel Antuna stepped up and converted to give the Monterrey side the lead once again. Later, Jesus Gallardo converted his penalty with precision, while Angel Correa, a world champion, responded without difficulty for Toluca. The shootout continued with goals from Franco Romero and Juan Pablo Vigon, both accurate. Oswaldo Virgen took responsibility for Toluca and didn't miss, keeping the pressure on. Sanchez Purata converted his penalty for Tigres and Arce did the same for Toluca, tying the series at 6-6. Sudden death followed with a goal from Garza, answered by Mendez for a 7-7 tie. Javier Aquino put Tigres ahead again, but Barbosa responded with an effective penalty. Joaquim had the chance to score, but missed his shot. However, Juan Pablo Dominguez also failed to score for Toluca, so the shootout remained tied at 8-8 and the suspense continued. Then it was the goalkeepers' turn, and both missed. First, Guzman shot, but Garcia managed to stop the ball with his foot; immediately afterward, the same thing happened, but in reverse, that is, Guzman stopped Garcia's shot with his foot. Finally, the 23rd and 24th penalties arrived, the decisive ones, since Angel Correa, who had scored on his first opportunity, wasted his second and missed. Leaving the championship on a silver platter for Alexis Vega, who didn't miss and sealed the title. Toluca thus closed out a memorable tournament and confirmed its greatness with a championship forged at home, with authority and personality. Tigres, a worthy finalist, came within a step of glory in an intense series that was decided by details. Liga MX has a champion,and the throne is once again painted red.

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