The Liga MX Clausura 2025 continued on March 29, 2025, with a thrilling match at the Estadio Nemesio Diez, where Deportivo Toluca FC hosted CF Pachuca. Both teams entered the match with momentum, Toluca coming off a commanding 3-0 victory over Puebla, while Pachuca had recently triumphed 4-1 against Tijuana. The stakes were high as Toluca aimed to solidify their position in the playoff race.
From the outset, the Diablos Rojos established dominance, showcasing their offensive prowess. Jesús Angulo opened the scoring in the 13th minute, netting a left-footed shot from the right side of the box after a quick counter-attack, assisted by Alexis Vega. This early goal set the tone for Toluca, who quickly established control over the match.
As the first half progressed, Toluca continued to threaten Pachuca's defense. By the 38th minute, Angulo struck again, this time scoring from the center of the box, making it 2-0. The assist came from Jesús Gallardo, who delivered a precise ball that Angulo converted with ease. Toluca's offensive pressure was relentless, and they ended the first half with a commanding 3-0 lead after Alexis Vega scored in stoppage time, capitalizing on a fast break.
Despite trailing, Pachuca attempted to regroup during halftime. The Tuzos made three substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing on Juan Sigala, Pedro Pedraza, and Oussama Idrissi to bolster their attack. However, their efforts were met with a solid Toluca defense that was determined to maintain their lead.
The second half saw Pachuca trying to claw back into the game, with Salomón Rondón and John Kennedy both missing opportunities to score. Rondón had a close attempt from outside the box that went wide, and Kennedy's efforts were thwarted by Toluca's goalkeeper Pau López. However, the tide turned in the 61st minute when López inadvertently scored an own goal, attempting to clear a dangerous ball, which brought the score to 3-1.
Despite the setback, Toluca remained composed and continued to press forward. The match saw several yellow cards, including one issued to Pau López for a foul, and another to Marcel Ruíz for dangerous play. As the clock wound down, both teams exchanged chances, but neither could capitalize further.
In the end, Toluca secured a vital 3-1 victory over Pachuca, reinforcing their position in the playoff race. The win brought Toluca's total to 24 points, placing them fourth in the league standings, while Pachuca remained in seventh place with 21 points.
Looking ahead, Toluca will aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare for their next match against Santos on April 6, while Pachuca will look to bounce back against América on April 5. This victory not only boosts Toluca's confidence but also highlights their strong offensive capabilities, making them a formidable contender in the Liga MX Clausura 2025.
