Toluca took a 2-0 lead over Monterrey in the first half of the return leg semifinal in the Liga MX Apertura 2025, played at Estadio Nemesio Diez. Goals from Pereira and Paulinho tied the aggregate score against Monterrey's 1-0 first-leg win. The score puts the Diablos Rojos close to the final.
The return leg semifinal of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 between Toluca and Monterrey was played on Saturday, December 6, at 19:00 in Estadio Nemesio Diez. Monterrey arrived with a 1-0 lead from the first leg at Estadio BBVA, where Germán Berterame scored the goal. Toluca, defending champions and regular-season leaders, needed to win to advance, as their table position favors them in a global tie.
Lineups were: Toluca with Hugo González in goal; Pereira, Gallardo, López, Romero, Castro, Ruiz, Angulo, Simon, Helinho, and Paulinho. Monterrey lined up Cárdenas; Chávez, Arteaga, Reyes, Medina, Ramos, Rodríguez, Ambriz, Oliver Torres, Canales, and Berterame.
The first half started with Toluca pressing. At minute 4, Marcel Ruiz sent a pass to Paulinho, but the ball was long. Minute 9: Sergio Canales shot over the bar. Minute 14: Pereira headed a corner, blocked by Sergio Ramos. Minute 18: Paulinho beat Stefan Medina, but Luis Cárdenas saved the shot.
At minute 19, Helinho crossed from the second post and Pereira pushed the ball in for 1-0, tying the aggregate. Minute 23: Jesús Angulo shot from distance, wide. Minute 33: Helinho tried with his left foot, near the angle. Minute 35: Gallardo threaded to Paulinho, stopped by Cárdenas. Minute 39: Medina crossed, deflected by defense.
At minute 43, Nico Castro assisted Paulinho, who finished between center-backs for 2-0. Three minutes were added, and at halftime, Toluca led. For Monterrey to advance, they need to win by two or more goals; a one-goal win forces extra time, but Toluca's position decides in a global tie. Broadcast was on Canal 5, Azteca 7, TUDN, and VIX.
