The Liga MX Clausura 2025 season has finally reached the semi-final phase, with four teams competing to gain the top 2 positions. Toluca clashed with the five-time champions Tigres to end the 15-year-long wait for the Liga MX title. Both the teams that faced each other in the semifinals are widely considered the best this season, however, they barely managed to qualify for the quarterfinals. They tied their quarterfinal matches and only made it to the semifinals because their finishing position was high during the regular season. If you are someone who wants to know more about the high-pressure match between Tigres and Toluca and how the first leg ended, the following article is for you.
Toluca Secures A Tie Against 5 Time Champions Tigres
The first leg of the match between two of the strongest teams this season, Tigres and Toluca, ended up in a 1-1 tie. The match that was held at the Volcán Stadium on the 15th of May lent Toluca a much-needed advantage. Toluca was able to gain this advantage over Tigres mainly because of their better position in the standings. The next and possibly the decisive leg is going to take place this Saturday. The results of the second leg will decide who will reach the finals this season.
Toluca- Tigres Highlights: Tigres Gained An Early Advantage
During the nail-biting semi-final of the 2025 Clausura, Tigres managed to clinch an early advantage over Toluca. Ozziel Herrera managed to make a precise run down the left and successfully set up Nico Ibañez for a perfect finish in the 18th minute. This gained the Tigers a much-needed lead, which they capitalized on pretty efficiently despite Toluca controlling possession. It didn’t take long for Tigres to double this advantage with the help of Gorriarán. However, Toluca’s defense successfully blocked his shot.
Toluca- Tigres Highlights: Toluca’s Comeback In The Match
The semi-final initially seemed like it was leaning towards the Tigres. However, things quickly turned interesting when Toluca’s captain, Alexis Vega, took things into his own hands. The captain rattled the post with a powerful strike and then also led the goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman into an exceptional save. The scores became equal right before halftime when Marcel Ruiz managed to deliver a flawlessly placed Paulinho header into the net. This made the score equal, with both teams standing at 1-1.
Toluca- Tigres Highlights: Tigres Seen Struggling During The Second Half
With the start of the second half, Toluca maintained their composure and struck back with greater clarity. Paulinho got an opportunity to complete the turnaround at the 64th minute after an exceptional play by Vega. However, Paulinho failed to finish it. Twelve minutes passed, and Guzman saved the day again, blocking a close-range shot from Domínguez. The five-time champions were seen struggling to maintain their attacking threat and eventually ended up fading. The final whistle was blown, and Tigres sighed a breath of relief, having scored a tie. It is pretty clear that the Tigres will need a lot of changes in case they wish to reclaim their champions title.
Big Opportunity For Toluca
This tie with Tigres has brought new opportunities and hopes for Toluca, which hasn’t won a single season in the past 15 years. Their superior league position indicates that a tie on aggregate is enough for them to secure a ticket to the finals. On the other hand, the Tigres will have to make some significant changes in order to win the second leg. The second leg is scheduled on Saturday at the Estadio Nemesio Díez.
