Toluca Holds Tigres to a Draw in Semifinals First Leg Clash

Toluca performed admirably on the field, outperforming Tigres and securing a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 semifinals. The decisive second leg will take place next Saturday at the Nemesio Diez Stadium. The home team started off with high intensity under the scorching sun but struggled to create significant threats against Luis García’s goalkeeping. Gradually, the Red Devils improved their game and created their first notable chance when Marcel Ruiz headed a cross from the right. However, goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán caught the ball effortlessly.

Tigres failed to capitalize on their home-field advantage and must win in Toluca to reach the Clausura 2025 final. Tigres responded when Ozziel Herrera received a pass on the left, drove to the end line, and delivered a cross that Nicolás Ibáñez converted into a goal at the 18-minute mark, putting them ahead 1-0.

The match turned into a fierce battle in midfield, with Alexis Vega standing out as the most dangerous visitor. He nearly leveled the score with a powerful long-range shot, only for it to hit the crossbar, keeping the Felines safe. Later, his shot from inside the area was deflected by Nahuel Guzmán. Toluca was relentless in their pursuit of an equalizer, and Paulinho achieved it with a header from a Marcel Ruiz cross at the 45th minute, bringing the score to 1-1.

Despite the locals’ efforts to regain the lead, Toluca stood firm defensively, making it difficult for the Felines to create threatening chances, and those they had were wasted. The Red Devils had a clear opportunity to turn the scoreboard around when Alexis Vega fed the ball to Isaías Violante on the left, who sent it to Paulinho. His shot from inside the area was saved once more by Nahuel Guzmán.

With limited offensive threats on the visitors’ goal, coach Guido Pizarro introduced Sebastián Córdova in hopes of igniting an attack, yet the opponents’ defense held strong under pressure. Juan Domínguez also had a chance for Antonio Mohamed’s team with a shot inside the area, but the Argentine goalkeeper stood out again with a corner kick save. Tigres continued to pursue victory with more enthusiasm than effective play, but the final minutes saw no change in the score as the Red Devils secured the draw at the University Stadium.

Toluca will advance to the Clausura 2025 final if they maintain a draw or win the second leg in La Bombonera, while Tigres must secure a victory to proceed.