Liga MX Semifinal Second Leg: Toluca Hosts Monterrey Seeking Comeback Amidst Injury Woes
In the second leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 semifinals, Toluca will host Monterrey at the Estadio Nemesio Díez. Monterrey secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg, putting pressure on Toluca to overturn the deficit at home. Both teams are grappling with significant injury concerns to key players, setting the stage for a tense battle for a spot in the final.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
The 2025 Liga MX Apertura season has reached its semifinal second leg, with Toluca set to face Monterrey in a crucial encounter at home. Monterrey secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg, meaning Toluca must win on home turf to overturn the deficit and advance. As Toluca finished higher in the regular season standings, a draw on aggregate would see them progress to the final. Toluca had an impressive regular season, boasting a strong attack and solid defense, and concluded the regular season near the top of the league, while Monterrey, despite a star-studded squad, finished fifth and has shown inconsistent recent form. The winner of this match will secure a place in the Apertura 2025 Grand Final.
Recent Form
Toluca has shown solid recent form in their last five official matches, securing two wins, two draws, and one loss, including a 2-1 aggregate victory over Juarez in the quarterfinals and a 0-1 defeat to Monterrey in the first leg of the semifinals. They concluded the Apertura regular season near the top of the league, demonstrating excellent offensive and defensive statistics. Monterrey, on the other hand, has had a more inconsistent run in their last five games, with two wins, one draw, and two losses, including advancing past Club America in the quarterfinals and a 1-0 win over Toluca in the first semifinal leg. They finished fifth in the regular season; despite a talented squad, their form has been patchy.
Key Players & Injury News
Toluca faces a significant injury blow with key player Alexis Vega suffering another tendon tear during rehabilitation, sidelining him until the Clausura 2026 season. He missed both the quarterfinals and the first leg of the semifinals, leading to the dismissal of three medical staff members. Luan is also listed as unavailable. Other pivotal players include top scorer Paulinho, Jesús Ricardo Angulo, Jesús Gallardo, and Marcel Ruíz. For Monterrey, Jesús Manuel "Tecatito" Corona sustained an injury in the first leg, making his participation in the second leg doubtful. Lucas Ocampos is ruled out for the entire Liguilla after a scooter accident caused a wrist fracture and cheekbone injury. Jorge Rodríguez is suspended for the match. Key players for Monterrey include Germán Berterame, Sergio Canales, and Óliver Torres, with veteran defender Sergio Ramos also part of the squad.