Match Recap and Highlights
In the first match of the Apertura 2025 tournament, Toluca, managed by Argentine coach Antonio Mohamed, the reigning Mexican football champions, secured a 3-1 victory over Necaxa, led by former Boca Juniors and Velez Sarsfield player Fernando Gago.
First Half: Necaxa Takes the Lead
Pavel Pérez opened the scoring for Necaxa in the 21st minute with a close-range shot inside the penalty area.
Second Half: Toluca’s Comeback
Marcel Ruiz equalized for Toluca with a header in the 27th minute, bringing the score level at 1-1.
Fourteen minutes later, Jesús Angulo put Toluca ahead with a cross-shot, making it 2-1.
Brazilian Helinho sealed the 3-1 victory for Toluca with a low and crossing shot in the 90th minute.
Other Matches from the Opening Weekend
In another match on Saturday, Santos, managed by Spanish coach Francisco Rodríguez, made a strong debut in Mexican football by thumping Pumas 3-0 at the Corona Stadium.
- Aldo López scored the opening goal for Santos in the 14th minute from about 30 yards out, with a lofted shot that deceived young Pumas goalkeeper Rodrigo Parra.
- At the 54-minute mark, Pumas’ defense pushed the ball back to their goalkeeper, who lost possession in the danger zone. Ramiro Sordo capitalized on this, scoring a close-range penalty to make it 2-0.
- Colombian Cristian Dájome added a third goal for Santos in the 89th minute with a counter-attack.
Meanwhile, Cruz Azul, the Clausura’s semifinalist from the previous tournament, could only manage a goalless draw against Mazatlán in their opening fixture.
Friday’s Inaugural Match
On the tournament’s opening day, Atlas defeated Puebla 3-2 at the Cuauhtémoc Stadium.
Sebastián Abreu’s Tijuana Debut
Uruguayan coach Sebastián Abreu led Tijuana to a 1-0 victory over Querétaro at the Caliente Stadium in their season opener.
Results from Week 1
- Friday:
- Puebla 2 – 3 Atlas
- Juárez 1 – 1 América
- Tijuana 1 – 0 Querétaro
- Saturday:
- Santos 3 – 0 Pumas
- Toluca 3 – 1 Necaxa
- Cruz Azul 0 – 0 Mazatlán
- Sunday:
- Pachuca – Monterrey
- León – Atlético San Luis
- Wednesday, September 17:
- Guadalajara – Tigres
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the teams and coaches involved?
- What were the scores and key moments in each match?
- What is the significance of these matches?
Toluca, managed by Argentine Antonio Mohamed, faced Necaxa under Fernando Gago’s leadership. Santos debuted with Francisco Rodríguez at the helm, while Cruz Azul played under an unnamed coach. Atlas, Juárez, Tijuana, Puebla, Pachuca, León, and Guadalajara also participated with their respective coaches.
Toluca won 3-1 against Necaxa, with goals from Marcel Ruiz, Jesús Angulo, and Helinho. Santos thrashed Pumas 3-0 with goals from Aldo López, Ramiro Sordo, and Cristian Dájome. The other matches resulted in various scores, with some ending in draws.
These matches marked the beginning of the Apertura 2025 tournament in Mexican football, showcasing new team dynamics and coaching strategies. The results set the stage for upcoming fixtures and contribute to the overall league standings.
