Monterrey Edges Toluca in Thrilling Liga MX Quarterfinal First Leg
Monterrey secured a 3-2 victory against Toluca in a captivating first-leg quarterfinal match of the Liga BBVA MX playoffs. The game, held at Estadio BBVA, was filled with drama, including an own goal, a stunning long-range strike, and a late Toluca comeback attempt.
Here's a breakdown of the key moments and what they mean for both teams heading into the second leg:
Match Summary
The match started with an unexpected twist as Víctor Guzmán of Monterrey scored an own goal in the 16th minute, giving Toluca an early lead. Monterrey, however, responded strongly. Nelson Deossa leveled the score in the 44th minute with a remarkable left-footed shot from over 35 yards out. Just after halftime, in the 50th minute, Sergio Canales put Monterrey ahead with a right-footed shot from inside the box, assisted by Stefan Medina. Germán Berterame extended Monterrey's lead in the 69th minute, seemingly putting the game beyond Toluca's reach. However, Luan of Toluca scored a header in the 82nd minute, assisted by Alexis Vega, reducing the deficit and setting up a tense finish.
Key Moments
- 16' Own Goal: Víctor Guzmán's unfortunate own goal gave Toluca an early advantage.
- 44' Goal by Nelson Deossa: Deossa's incredible long-range goal leveled the score just before halftime, shifting the momentum in Monterrey's favor.
- 50' Goal by Sergio Canales: Canales' precise shot put Monterrey in the lead early in the second half.
- 69' Goal by Germán Berterame: Berterame's goal extended Monterrey's lead, seemingly securing the victory.
- 82' Goal by Luan: Luan's late header gave Toluca a crucial away goal and a lifeline in the tie.
Image: Rayados lead the 1st leg of the quarterfinal against Toluca. Source: X.com
Lineups
Monterrey:
Esteban Andrada, Fidel Ambríz, Víctor Guzmán, Stefan Medina (Ricardo Chávez), Óliver Torres (Iker Fimbres), Sergio Canales (Jordi Cortizo), Jorge Rodríguez, Gerardo Arteaga, Nelson Deossa, Germán Berterame (Lucas Ocampos), Jesús Corona (Roberto de la Rosa).
Toluca:
Pau López, Andrés Pereira, Bruno Méndez, Jesús Gallardo, Diego Zaragoza (Brian García), Jesús Angulo (Helinho), Marcel Ruiz, Héctor Herrera (Luan), Paulinho, Alexis Vega (Edgar López), Juan Domínguez (Franco Romero).
Match Events
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 16' | Own Goal by Víctor Guzmán (Monterrey) |
| 44' | Goal by Nelson Deossa (Monterrey) |
| 50' | Goal by Sergio Canales (Monterrey) |
| 69' | Goal by Germán Berterame (Monterrey) |
| 82' | Goal by Luan (Toluca) |
Tactical Analysis
Monterrey's initial struggles were compounded by the early own goal, but their response showcased their attacking quality. Deossa's long-range goal was a turning point, injecting energy into the team. The substitutions made by Monterrey, including Roberto de la Rosa and Ricardo Chávez, were aimed at solidifying the midfield and adding fresh legs. Toluca's substitutions, particularly Luan's introduction, proved impactful as he scored a crucial goal. However, their defense struggled to contain Monterrey's attacking threats throughout the match.
According to soccerstatsstub.com, here are the match statistics from a previous Monterrey game, showcasing their typical play style:
Match statistics for a previous game. Source: soccerstatsstub.com
Looking Ahead
With the first leg ending 3-2, the tie is finely poised. Toluca's away goals give them an advantage, meaning Monterrey will need to score in the second leg to advance. Monterrey will be looking to capitalize on their home form, while Toluca will aim to defend resolutely and exploit any counter-attacking opportunities. Expect another thrilling encounter in the second leg as both teams vie for a spot in the Liga MX semifinals.
Canales' Return & Monterrey's Quarterfinal Berth
Monterrey secured their place in the quarterfinals by defeating Pumas 2-0, with goals from Berterame and Deossa. The match also marked the return of Sergio Canales in the second half, a significant boost for the team. Source
Image: Monterrey secured the right to face Toluca in the LIGA MX quarterfinals. Source: X.com
Liga MX Femenil: Monterrey vs Pachuca Semifinal
In the Liga MX Femenil, Monterrey faced Pachuca in the semifinal. Kenti Robles scored for Pachuca, but Monterrey holds the advantage. Source
Video: Kenti Robles goal 44’ Pachuca 2-1 Monterrey - Clausura 2025 semifinals. Source: v.redd.it
For a full match summary, you can also check out the Monterrey vs Pachuca Semifinal recap.