Toluca, the reigning champion coached by Argentine manager Antonio Mohamed, will face Santos Laguna, led by Spanish coach Francisco Rodríguez, this Wednesday in the opening match of the second round of the Apertura 2025 tournament in Mexican football.
In their season opener last Saturday, Toluca secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Necaxa, allowing them to establish their intent to perform well even as visitors. Now, they will aim to maintain their momentum against Santos, who made an impressive start by defeating Pumas UNAM 3-0, which has brought renewed optimism to the northern club after a disappointing performance in the previous Clausura, where they finished last with a porous defense and struggling offense.
Toluca’s attack will rely on star players such as Portuguese forward Paulinho and Mexican international Alexis Vega, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in seeking the three points. The team also made a strong statement in their debut, highlighted by the solid performance of midfielder Marcel Ruiz.
Historically, Santos has been one of the most successful teams in Liga MX this century, securing five titles since 2001. However, they are currently seeking to rebound from a decline in recent tournaments under Rodríguez’s guidance.
This matchup is particularly significant as Toluca is set to play against América for the champion’s trophy next Sunday, making this midweek fixture important for both teams as they prepare for their upcoming challenges. Meanwhile, América will host Tijuana at their home stadium this weekend.
As the new season unfolds, there is a promising atmosphere in the league, with teams eager to showcase their abilities and push for better standings.