Toluca Clinch 12th Liga MX Title After Epic Shootout Victory Over Tigres

Toluca Complete Historic Comeback to Win 12th Liga MX Title in Dramatic Shootout Final

Toluca are champions of Mexico once again. In a final that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in Liga MX history, the Diablos Rojos overturned a two-goal aggregate deficit to defeat Tigres and secure their 12th league title, prevailing 9–8 in a marathon penalty shootout after a 2–2 draw on aggregate in the Apertura 2025 final.

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The triumph not only confirmed Toluca as the dominant force of the season but also delivered back-to-back Liga MX championships under Antonio Mohamed, further strengthening the club’s place among the competition’s all-time greats. The title draws Toluca level with Chivas as the second-most successful club in league history, trailing only Club América.

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Tigres Strike First, Toluca Refuse to Fold

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Tigres arrived at the Nemesio Diez with confidence after winning the first leg 1–0 at home, and they appeared to tighten their grip on the title early in the return match. In the 14th minute, Fernando Gorriarán struck to give Tigres a crucial away goal, extending their aggregate lead to 2–0 and momentarily silencing the home crowd.

At that point, Toluca faced a daunting task. Tigres are known for their experience in finals and their ability to manage games with composure. However, instead of panicking, Mohamed’s side gradually increased the tempo, pressing higher and committing more numbers forward as the half progressed.

Their persistence was rewarded just before halftime. Brazilian winger Helinho produced a moment of individual brilliance, cutting inside and finishing superbly to pull Toluca back into the match. The goal shifted the momentum entirely, reigniting belief in the stands and unsettling a Tigres side that had looked comfortable up to that point.

Second-Half Push Levels the Series

Toluca emerged from the break with renewed intensity, pinning Tigres deep and forcing mistakes through sustained pressure. The equaliser on aggregate arrived in the 52nd minute, once again with Helinho at the heart of the move. This time, the winger turned provider, delivering a perfectly weighted assist for Paulinho, who finished calmly to make it 2–1 on the night.

With the aggregate score level at 2–2, the final became an open contest. Toluca pushed for a decisive third goal, while Tigres relied on their experience and goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán to survive wave after wave of attacks. Guzmán was outstanding, producing several crucial saves in regulation time and extra time to keep Tigres alive.

Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner through 120 minutes, setting up a penalty shootout befitting the tension and drama of the occasion.

A Shootout for the Ages

What followed was one of the longest and most intense penalty shootouts in Liga MX final history. A total of 24 penalties were taken, with both teams refusing to blink under immense pressure. In a rare twist, even the goalkeepers stepped up—and both missed their efforts.

Toluca goalkeeper Luis García proved decisive, making key saves during sudden death to keep his side in contention. The shootout ultimately turned when Tigres forward Ángel Correa failed to convert his attempt, opening the door for the final act of redemption.

Alexis Vega, returning from injury after missing the entire Liguilla, stepped forward and calmly buried the winning penalty, sealing the championship and sending the Nemesio Diez into eruption.

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While the entire Toluca squad played its part in the comeback, three figures stood out. Vega’s return could not have been scripted better, as he converted both of his penalties, including the decisive kick. García’s composure and saves during the shootout were equally vital, keeping Toluca alive when the margin for error disappeared.

Helinho also deserves special recognition. His first-half goal dragged Toluca back into the tie when elimination seemed close, and his assist for Paulinho’s goal completed the turnaround on aggregate. The Brazilian’s pace, confidence, and creativity were instrumental in forcing the final all the way to penalties.

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For Tigres, the defeat was a bitter one. Guido Pizarro, still early in his managerial career, came painfully close to delivering what would have been the club’s ninth league title. Despite holding a commanding 2–0 aggregate lead, Tigres were unable to control the second leg or match Toluca’s intensity in hostile conditions.

In the end, the final had everything: an early setback, a relentless comeback, heroic performances, missed penalties, and ultimate redemption. When the dust settled, Toluca once again stood at the summit of Mexican football champions by resilience, belief, and nerve.