Héctor Mancilla sees América as a special rival to end Toluca's drought.

Chilean striker Héctor Mancilla became a historic figure for Toluca and one of the greatest scorers in Mexican soccer. His keen eye for goal led him to two scoring championships, as well as two league titles, one of them the last one won by the Diablos Rojos 15 years ago.

In an interview with EL INFORMADOR, Mancilla revealed that Toluca is the team that "rescued" him from the lower division , so it holds a very special value in his career, as it placed him at the forefront of Mexican soccer. Therefore, now that a final is on the horizon, he asserted that it will be very special for the scarlet team to end its title drought against a club like América.

“The truth is that it would be very special to close out the season at home, with your fans, after 15 years, against América. It would truly be a wonderful thing for the club, which deserves it. It's a great club, one that has always been fighting for titles, always been there, at the top, in the top spots, with Valentín Díez always giving his all to the team. So, for me, it would be very important and very rewarding if Toluca could win the title tomorrow against América,” he said.

He also highlighted the level of performance shown by the team across all ranks , singling out Alexis Vega, who he considered has complemented each other greatly in taking Toluca to the top.

“Alexis, who is in top form, has complemented Paulinho well. Overall, I really liked Toluca for their commitment, their intensity, and the aggressiveness they've shown in every match. And their quality, too. I'm happy with everything they've shown in this league and in these playoffs. So, I think it would be well deserved if they win the title,” he added.

For the two-time Liga MX top scorer, the home of the Diablos Rojos will be key in the final, as over the years, the fans have turned their stadium into a true "hell" for their opponents , so it will be an important factor in Toluca taking the championship.

“Yes, it can make a difference. It's a crowd that makes you feel, a demanding crowd. But we also know the opponent that the finalist will face against Toluca. América is also a big club, it knows how to play finals, it's the defending champion. It's a tough final, but the fans also play their part, an important role. They've already shown that in other finals. It's going to be a great second leg final, and we hope Toluca can take it,” he emphasized.

In the end, he said he was privileged to be part of Toluca's history , a team that, along with "Chepo" de la Torre, took him out of the silver division to show his best level in Mexican soccer.

“For me, it's a privilege and a pleasure to be part of Toluca's history. I arrived in Veracruz in 2006. I had my ups and downs, and I had a rather complicated injury. Thank God, I was able to return to playing football in Veracruz. Afterward, I was sent to Coatzacoalcos, and from Coatzacoalcos, Chepo and Toluca rescued me. They gave me the confidence to be Toluca's number nine during those years. After searching for a center forward for so long, I arrived in Toluca and, thank God, I was able to perform and respond to the institution and Chepo. I name Chepo because he was the one who believed in me at that moment and gave me enough confidence to perform on the field and help Toluca achieve everything it has achieved during that stage of my career,” he concluded.

SV