Time to make history in Liga MX

After a goalless draw in the first match of the 2025 Clausura Tournament final, América and Toluca will face off tonight to determine the Mexican soccer champion.

The Eagles, under coach André Jardine, dominated possession in the first leg but lacked attacking depth. The result means they must win on the road to win the title.

A win would allow América to claim its fourth consecutive title, a feat only achieved by Chivas in the late 1950s and early 1960s, albeit in a different format.

"This team is working very hard for each achievement; it has a very clear goal of making history in Mexican soccer," Jardine stated. "Our job is to maintain the hunger and ambition to achieve new things like our first victory and make history as a club."

In the previous tournament, the Brazilian coach led the Águilas to their second three-time championship. If he wins another, his tally will be 17, putting the Azulcremas five behind Guadalajara.

América could count on the return of Uruguayan Brian Rodríguez, who missed the entire final phase due to injury. Rodríguez was on the bench for the first match, but Jardine chose not to risk him.

A new crown would place Jardine above Enrique Meza on the list of the country's most successful coaches and leave him three behind Ignacio Trelles and Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti, the historical leaders.

On the other hand, Argentine Antonio Mohamed, who manages Toluca, also has the opportunity to match that achievement in his first tournament with the Red Devils.

The “Turco” was already a champion with the Xolos de Tijuana (Apertura 2012), also with América (Apertura 2014) and with the Rayados del Monterrey (Apertura 2019).

"It's a game against the three-time champion, and the series will be concluded at home, but that's no guarantee," Mohamed said. "They're a team that's used to coming back from behind in every game. We're currently playing at a 0-0 draw, but at home, we'll have the initiative; it'll be a tough game," he emphasized.

Toluca could also be strengthened by the return of Portuguese forward Paulinho, two-time Liga MX top scorer, who missed the first match due to injury. Mohamed mentioned that the forward could be considered for the return, although he didn't confirm his starting spot.

If the Red Devils win, they would end a title drought that dates back to the 2010 Bicentennial Tournament. Since then, they have reached three finals.

In the final, there is no tiebreaker based on position or away goals. If the aggregate score remains tied after 90 minutes, extra time and, if necessary, penalties will be played.

The second leg will kick off at 7 p.m. at the Nemesio Diez Stadium.— AP