Club América and Toluca, the standout clubs from the 2025 Liga MX Clausura regular season, have earned their spot in the Grand Final. Both teams showed consistency, tactical discipline, and attacking ability throughout the season. Toluca led the standings by one point over América, setting up a high-stakes duel between the campaign’s two best-performing teams.
Los Diablos Rojos proved their prowess by finishing first in the regular season rankings. Their performance was superb from beginning to end, with a well-balanced squad and a crisp attack that rarely faltered. Club América is noted for its rich history and championship heritage. It kept the pressure on until the end, trailing Toluca by a single point and maintaining a razor-thin gap at the top.
Both teams took very different paths to the finals in the semifinals. Toluca easily defeated Tigres, dominating both legs of the tie. Despite Tigres’ formidable reputation and home advantage at El Volcán, they could not produce a comeback or pose a significant threat, allowing Toluca to advance to the final comfortably.
América, on the other hand, faced up against local rivals Cruz Azul in another Clásico Joven match. Though the battle teased pyrotechnics, it ultimately fell short of drama and quality. Nonetheless, América demonstrated their expertise and grit, accomplishing just enough to defeat Cruz Azul and advance to the Grand Final, setting up a confrontation between the Liga MX Clausura’s two most consistent clubs.
Although Cruz Azul took the lead and appeared to repeat the dose for the yellow team, as happened in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Las Águilas achieved a comeback. They tied the aggregate at two, which favored Jardine’s team and confirmed their attendance at the Grand Final.
The Devils suffered a humiliating defeat in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 final, setting the tone for the rest of the series. Their defeat was exacerbated by the departure of Paulinho, a key attacking tool in Antonio Mohamed’s tactical arsenal. The Brazilian’s injury keeps him out of the starting lineup and the bench, leaving a significant gap in Toluca’s offensive firepower.
With Paulinho injured, Alexis Vega takes on the task of spearheading the Toluca assault. Vega, known for his quickness and flair, is anticipated to carry the team’s attacking ambitions into the high-stakes match. The pressure is great, and Toluca will be aiming to rise to the occasion and make a big difference against a tough América team.
Meanwhile, América’s coach, André Jardine, will return to the bench after serving a suspension in the semifinals’ second leg. After receiving a red card in the first leg, Jardine was forced to watch the critical encounter against Cruz Azul from the stands. His presence on the sidelines will certainly improve morale for Las Águilas as they prepare for the final’s second leg.
Liga MX Final First Leg: Official Starting Lineups for América vs. Toluca
Club América enters the Liga MX Clausura 2025 Final with a strong and experienced roster. Luis Malagón is the team’s goalkeeper and has been a steady presence throughout the campaign. The team’s defense includes Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, Kevin Álvarez, and Cristian Borja, noted for their tactical and physical abilities. This backline will be important in mitigating Toluca’s attacking threats.
América’s midfield boasts a healthy mix of experience and inventiveness. Jonathan Dos Santos provides leadership and control, while Álvaro Fidalgo and Alex Zendejas add speed, vision, and attacking assistance. Erick Sánchez’s versatility gives depth to the game since he can influence it defensively and offensively.
Víctor Dávila and Henry Martín are responsible for attacking play up front. Dávila’s flare and scoring ability complement Martín’s strength and technique, forming a dynamic forward tandem that has been key to América’s final run. Their synergy will be crucial against a disciplined Toluca defense.
Toluca, on the other hand, enters the final with a lineup that combines grit and quality. Defenders Diego Barbosa, Bruno Méndez, Andrés Pereira, and Luan Garcia will assist goalkeeper Luis García. These players must perform at their peak to withstand América’s attacking pressure. In midfield and out wide, Jesús Gallardo, Franco Romero, and Jesús Angulo contribute a mix of speed and stamina, while Marcel Ruiz orchestrates the game with ability and poise. The assault is led by Alexis Vega and Robert Morales, two explosive forwards who can instantly change the game.
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