Toluca end 15-year drought and spoil América’s historic dream | OneFootball

Toluca ended América’s run of dominance with a 2-0 victory in the Liga MX Clausura 2025 final at Estadio Nemesio Diez, sealing their first league title in 15 years and denying André Jardine’s side a historic fourth consecutive championship.

The contest was shaped by decisive moments and a disciplined performance from Antonio Mohamed’s squad. Luan García set Toluca on course, heading home from an Alexis Vega corner in the 65th minute to break the deadlock, before Vega himself dispatched an 82nd-minute penalty low to Luis Malagón’s left, following a contentious decision against Sebastián Cáceres for a challenge on Robert Morales.

Refereeing played its part, with controversy flaring over the penalty call—many felt Cáceres had executed a clean tackle—and an earlier incident where Kevin Álvarez’s robust challenge on Franco Romero did not draw a VAR review. Yet, despite the complaints, América’s undoing owed much to their own lapses. Alejandro Zendejas, Álvaro Fidalgo, and Henry Martín all struggled to find their rhythm, with Martín forced off by injury after 49 minutes. The lack of invention and leadership on the pitch left the champions unable to respond to Toluca’s high-intensity pressing and tactical discipline.

Antonio Mohamed, securing his fourth Liga MX crown—having previously won with Tijuana, América, and Monterrey—was quick to celebrate a triumph built on collective effort and Vega’s inspiration. Vega, who finished the campaign with 13 goals and 11 assists, did not just shape the final: his influence had carried Toluca through critical moments in the play-offs, notably in earlier rounds against Monterrey.

For América, the immediate challenge now is a quick turnaround, as they prepare to face LAFC for a place at the 2025 Club World Cup. Jardine’s priority will be to restore focus and address questions about creativity and depth, with Diego Valdés still absent through injury and reinforcements reportedly under consideration.

The Nemesio Diez lived up to its reputation with a capacity crowd, providing the energy for Toluca to finally end their title drought since 2010, when they last lifted the trophy after beating Santos Laguna on penalties. For América, the disappointment was clear after a season chasing history, but the focus must now shift to regrouping for their continental ambitions.

Source: TUDN, ESPN Deportes México, Marca