Mazatlán FC pulled off an exciting upset on Friday night, defeating Toluca FC 2-1 at Estadio El Encanto, marking their first victory of the Liga MX Clausura 2025.
The game began promisingly for the Cañoneros, who entered the match seeking redemption after losing their previous game against Tigres UANL. Their moment came early, as Facundo Almada scored the opening goal with a precise header following a well-taken free-kick just 16 minutes in.
Despite the early setback, Toluca quickly equalized merely three minutes later. The Diablos Rojos displayed resilience, with Alexis Vega delivering a clever assist to Marcel Ruiz, whose shot found the net, bringing the score to 1-1.
After the thrilling start, both teams battled for control, with opportunities drying up. Toluca, under the guidance of coach Antonio Mohamed, had several chances but struggled against the solid defensive efforts from Mazatlán. The absence of star goalkeeper Tiago Volpi was felt, leaving Toluca vulnerable.
Hugo González, the keeper for Mazatlán, was pivotal, denying several late attempts by Toluca to regain the lead, including impressive saves from headers by Edgar López and Marcel Ruiz.
The match's turning point arrived 75 minutes in when Luis Amarilla, showing exceptional positioning, scored the second goal for Mazatlán with another header, this time connecting with a well-placed cross from José Esquivel.
Following this, Toluca desperately pushed for another equalizer. They had moments of promise, but Mazatlán's defense held firm, ensuring the score remained unchanged.
Antonio Mohamed commented post-match, "We scored first, but we were not able to sustain it," reflecting on the missed opportunities and the need for improvement within his squad.
This victory moves Mazatlán to 4 points after three matches, positioning them favorably as they aim for playoff qualification. Meanwhile, Toluca, who started the match strong with 4 points from their first two games, will need to regroup as they look to bounce back from this unexpected loss.
Overall, the match showcased the spirit and tenacity of both teams, with Mazatlán celebrating a significant win and Toluca reflecting on their missed chances, hoping to learn and adapt as the season progresses.