On a brisk Saturday evening at Estadio Victoria, the clash between Necaxa and Toluca delivered a resounding statement in the Jornada 7 of Liga MX 2026. The reigning bicampeón, Toluca, continued their dominant run with a convincing 3-0 win over the Rayos, extending their unbeaten streak against Necaxa to an impressive 12 matches. For the home crowd in Aguascalientes, the night was a reminder of Toluca’s recent superiority and Necaxa’s ongoing struggles to make their home turf a fortress.
The match kicked off at 19:00 Central Mexico Time, with both teams fielding lineups that hinted at their ambitions for the evening. Antonio Mohamed’s Necaxa started with Ezequiel Unsain in goal, supported by a backline of Raúl Martínez, Alexis Peña, Agustín Oliveros, and Kevin Romero. The midfield featured Danny Leyva, Lorenzo Faravelli, and Franco Rossano, while Agustín Almendra, Israel Tello, and Julián Carranza led the attack. On the other side, Martín Varini’s Toluca lined up with Luis García between the posts, a defense anchored by Ever López, Federico Pereira, and Jesús Gallardo, and a midfield orchestrated by Marcel Ruiz and Jesús Angulo. Up front, the dangerous Paulinho was poised to make his mark.
Necaxa entered the game with hopes of climbing from tenth place and closing the gap on the Liguilla spots, but the first half saw them struggle to break down Toluca’s disciplined defense. Despite a few promising moments—most notably a long-range effort from Israel Tello that sailed over the bar—the Rayos couldn’t find the breakthrough. Toluca, meanwhile, began to assert their authority, with Paulinho and Pereira both threatening from set pieces and open play. The first half ended goalless, but the warning signs for Necaxa were already flashing.
The second half brought a shift in momentum. Toluca’s pressure paid off with the opening goal, as Paulinho capitalized on a close-range opportunity, slotting the ball past Unsain to make it 1-0. The goal injected confidence into the visitors, who began to dictate the pace and rhythm of the match. Necaxa responded with substitutions, bringing on Tomás Badaloni and Emilio Lara in search of an equalizer, but Toluca’s defense, marshaled by Pereira and López, stood tall.
Toluca’s attacking prowess shone again when Paulinho doubled the lead with a clinical finish from the center of the area. The Brazilian forward’s brace underscored his growing reputation as one of Liga MX’s most lethal strikers this season. As the minutes ticked by, Necaxa’s frustration mounted. Their efforts to claw back were stymied by a series of offsides and missed chances, including a header from Badaloni that soared over the crossbar and a speculative shot from Tello that failed to trouble García.
In the closing stages, Toluca put the result beyond doubt. After Franco Rossi replaced Paulinho to a warm reception from the traveling supporters, Toluca earned a free kick on the left. Sebastián Córdova, who had come on as a substitute, whipped in a pinpoint delivery, and Federico Pereira rose above the defense to power home a header for Toluca’s third goal. The stadium fell silent as the scoreboard flashed 0-3, marking another chapter in Toluca’s ongoing mastery over Necaxa.
The match was not without its physical battles. Several players found their names in the referee’s book: Federico Pereira, Jesús Gallardo, Ricardo Monreal, Marcel Ruiz, Raúl Martínez, and Alexis Peña all received yellow cards, a testament to the intensity and commitment on display. Injuries also played a part, with Alexis Peña forced off for Necaxa, replaced by Javier Ruiz after suffering a knock in the second half.
Mohamed’s side made additional changes—Franco Rossano and Kevin Gutiérrez entered the fray—but the Rayos couldn’t muster a response. The fourth official signaled five minutes of added time, but it was clear the contest had been decided well before the final whistle. As the referee brought proceedings to a close, Toluca’s players celebrated a win that keeps them firmly in the title conversation.
The result had immediate implications for the Liga MX standings. Toluca, now with 15 points from seven matches (four wins and three draws), climbed to third place, trailing only Guadalajara and Cruz Azul. Their unbeaten record remains intact, and with a goal difference of +7, the Diablos Rojos are staking an early claim as favorites to defend their crown. Necaxa, meanwhile, slipped to their fourth defeat of the campaign, remaining in tenth with nine points and a goal difference of -2. It’s a tough pill to swallow for the Rayos, whose last victory over Toluca dates back to October 30, 2020—more than five years ago.
Historically, Toluca’s dominance in this fixture has been remarkable. The Diablos Rojos have now gone 12 matches without losing to Necaxa, racking up nine wins and three draws in that span. The last three meetings have all ended in Toluca’s favor, with scorelines of 3-1, 5-2, and 3-0. For Necaxa, the challenge is clear: they must find a way to disrupt this pattern if they hope to re-establish themselves as contenders in the league.
The match also showcased the depth of Toluca’s squad. Mauricio Isaís replaced Jesús Gallardo in defense, while Franco Rossi and Sebastián Córdova provided fresh legs in midfield and attack. Their ability to maintain intensity and organization, even with multiple changes, bodes well for the remainder of the season. Paulinho’s performance, capped by two goals and relentless movement, earned him plaudits from pundits and fans alike. According to MARCA MX, "Paulinho (Toluca) remate con la izquierda desde el centro del área," highlighting his clinical finishing and composure under pressure.
For Necaxa, there will be questions about their inability to capitalize on home advantage. With only one win in their last three home games, the Rayos must regroup quickly if they are to stay in the hunt for postseason play. Injuries and disciplinary issues have hampered their consistency, but Mohamed remains optimistic: "We have to keep working, stay focused, and believe in our process," he said in the post-match presser (as reported by Azteca Deportes Network).
As Liga MX 2026 rolls on, all eyes will be on Toluca to see if they can maintain their unbeaten run and challenge for a third consecutive title. For Necaxa, the path forward demands resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. The next round of fixtures promises more drama, but for now, it’s Toluca who leave Aguascalientes with heads held high and momentum firmly on their side.