Toluca, new champion of the Champion of Champions

▲ Antonio Turco Mohamed and his team thrashed Coapa 3-1 in California. Photo taken from X de Toluca

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Monday, July 21, 2025, p. a35

Antonio Turco Mohamed understands the essence of América so well that he's now snatched a second title from them. Under the Argentine manager, Toluca thrashed André Jardine's Águilas 3-1 to establish themselves as the best team in Liga MX this season and lift their fifth Campeón de Campeones title, their first in 19 years.

Los Diablos had just defeated América, who were chasing a four-time championship, in May to break a five-year drought without winning the league. Now, Mohamed's squad recovered from an early goal by their opponent to reaffirm their position as the best Mexican club this year at Dignity Health Park in California.

With a two-touch play, Coapa's team surprised with a goal in the 58th second. Goalkeeper Ángel Malagón sent a long throw to Brian Rodríguez, who beat the defense and passed the ball to Alejandro Zendejas from close range.

But what was shaping up to be a revenge for the Americanists, turned into a thorny path, as Toluca balanced the duel with a goal from Franco Romero (12) and turned things around with a header from Bruno Méndez (45+5).

The final stretch would be an episode of excitement and drama. Paulinho (70) scored the third for the scarlet team in a controversial play that had been flagged as offside and should have been validated by VAR. Later, the same body disallowed a goal for the América players.

The Eagles still had to deal with the expulsion of Igor Lichnovsky (89), who gave Helinho a strong tackle, sending him to a medical examination.

Ap

La Jornada Newspaper, Monday, July 21, 2025, p. a35

Atlanta. Aaron Judge hit his first career major league home run the day after Alex Rodriguez retired. The two are now tied on the New York Yankees' all-time home run list.

Judge hit his 351st home run in a 4-2 win over the Braves yesterday, tying him with A-Rod for sixth in Bronx Bombers history.

“It’s an incredible honor, especially, you know, growing up watching A-Rod for so many years and what he did in pinstripes,” the slugger said. “He’s a legend. One of the greatest of all time .”

Judge trails Yankee greats Babe Ruth (659), Mickey Mantle (536), Lou Gehrig (493), Joe DiMaggio (361) and Yogi Berra (358) in home runs.

Judge 's home run on Sunday was his 36th of the season. He's two home runs behind the major league leader, Cal Raleigh of the Mariners, who won the All-Star Home Run Derby in Atlanta on Monday.

The Yankees travel to Toronto to face the AL East leaders, the Blue Jays, in a three-game series.

Meanwhile, the Houston Astros placed Mexican Isaac Paredes on the 10-day injured list yesterday due to a right hamstring strain.