Toluca seeks to return to glory: What does it need to be champion?
Toluca finished the regular season as the leader of the 2025 Clausura, securing their spot directly in the playoffs. However, their opponent in the quarterfinals will be determined after the Play-In matches.
The Red Devils have now gone 15 years without lifting the trophy , but their outstanding performance in recent tournaments has renewed the enthusiasm of their fans.
How do you play the Play-In?Positions 7, 8, 9 and 10 in the general table will compete for two tickets to the playoffs:
- 7 Monterrey vs 8 Pachuca → The winner advances directly.
The winner of this second match will face Toluca in the quarterfinals.
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What is the value of Alexis Vega, rumored to be Rayados' next signing?Monterrey appears to be the favorite against Pachuca , thanks to its better goal difference (+9 vs +6) and greater number of goals (32 vs 29).
SEE ALSO: Monterrey vs. Pachuca: Schedule, broadcast, and possible lineups for the Play-In | Clausura 2025
Rayados and Tuzos will go all out for a spot in the 2025 Clausura Liguilla.Pumas , although they finished below Juárez in points, showed a better goal difference and greater offensive capacity, which makes them a possible winner.
If these results are confirmed, Pachuca —which would lose to Monterrey —would have to beat Pumas to become Toluca's rival.
How does Toluca fare against its potential rivals?- Against Pumas: Although recent matches have ended in 1-1 draws, Toluca will have to find a way to overcome the university team in a decisive match.
- Against Juárez: Toluca would have a clear advantage, considering their better overall performance and favorable record in head-to-head matches.
- Against Monterrey: Los Diablos drew with Rayados in Matchday 2 of this tournament, but won the 2024 Apertura, which gives them confidence if they meet again.
- Against Pachuca: In the regular season, Toluca defeated the Tuzos 3-2 in a very close match. If the match were repeated, the scarlet offense could tip the balance again.
Toluca, as the leader, awaits an opponent with the confidence of those who dominated the tournament. These are the matchups that could play out:
(1) Toluca vs (8) to be defined
(2) America vs (7) Monterrey
América, with the best defense in the tournament (only 10 goals conceded), would start as the favorite.
(3) Cruz Azul vs (6) León
Cruz Azul closed the regular season better, showing more solidity and goal difference.
(4) Tigres vs (5) Necaxa
Although Necaxa scored more goals (36 vs. 24), Tigres' experience in the playoffs could make a difference.
Semifinals:(1) Toluca vs (4) Tigres
With their powerful attack and steady pace, Toluca would have the arguments to eliminate the felines.
(2) America vs (3) Cruz Azul
A classic steeped in history. América, thanks to its staunch defense, could come out on top.
Grand Final: Toluca vs AmericaThe matchup would be a monumental test for Toluca . América , seeking its fourth consecutive title, would arrive as the heavy favorite, backed by a resounding 3-0 victory over Toluca in the regular phase of the 2025 Clausura.
To beat the odds, the Devils will need to play the perfect game.
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