Here are three thoughts before the final:
One of Mexico’s most frequent football debates – in comment sections, in bars, in the press – is whether a team is ‘grand’ or not. There’s not even really a debate: the four traditional grandees, the major teams with the longest histories, are the three Mexico City teams (America, cruz azul, puma costume) And Shivaj In Guadalajara.
Still, it’s worth noting that Toluca is seeking their 12th title, which would put them tied with Chivas all-time, trailing only América. Tigres is chasing its ninth title, which would put it equal with Cruz Azul and only behind the three previously mentioned teams.
Silverware is far more relevant than any external label.
What is shocking is that this is a match between the second and third longest tenured managers in the league. Only Club America’s Andre Jardin has been with his team longer Turko Mohammad Toluca – and was named Diablos Rojos boss a year ago today.
You may remember Guido Pizarro After transitioning from midfielder to manager in the span of a few days during the spring, he was installed as coach on 2 March, a few days before the club’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
Pizarro said he has “admiration” for what Mohammed has achieved, winning league titles with four different teams. “His work speaks for itself. I appreciate him personally, if you can call it that. We’ve shared a few moments off-camera.”
“I think he’s recognized all over the country for what he’s done on all teams, but honestly I’m just worried about my team, making sure my players are feeling good tomorrow and that we can move toward the goal we all want.”
The manager’s motivation, tactical changes and how each team is able to adapt their playing style will have a much greater impact on who lifts the trophy on Sunday than any kind of history as to who has traditionally been better.
alexis vega Is Toluca’s biggest star. Apart from being a chance-creation engine and a great goalscorer in his own right, Vega is the heart and soul of the club. Ultimately, their romantic comeback was successful. After a promising start to life as a professional player with Toluca, the move to Chivas was not right for either side. Back at the Estado de Mexico, Vega found a new ceiling, became a regular for Mexico and led Diablos Rojos to the Clausura title earlier this year.
He will not be able to influence this final.
A hamstring injury suffered in the final week of the regular season has kept Vega out of the postseason, and reportedly the best-case scenario is that he can fit in as an emergency in the sophomore season.
However, Tigres are well aware that Diablos Rojos have many more weapons than the 28-year-old.
“We all know how much skill Alexis has. He is a player that Toluca takes advantage of well, a player that clearly gives Toluca a plus, but Toluca is just not Alexis,” said the Tigres winger. diego lanezWho won the Olympic bronze medal with Vega in Tokyo. “They have great players, a manager who does a good job, a successful team. It will be an equal game – with or without Alexis. Even though he is a player who can make a difference, we have to be alert and focused on all the players in Toluca.”
Without Vega, the Portuguese advance paulinho However, imports from Brazil have gained additional importance helinho He has been the attacker who has taken the biggest steps forward in the Liguilla.
Without Vega, it’s less clear How Toluca will move forward, but Mohammed’s Toluca Desire To pose a threat of attack. Tigers know this.
Andre-Pierre Gignac It’s still early for the Tigres. Well, maybe we should say that the 40-year-old forward is starting again. After missing most of the first half of 2025 due to various injuries, it looked as if Gignac would end his career with a setback.
Instead, Mister Liguilla has once again advanced to the finals, starting the second leg of both playoff series.
But while the end result is classic Gignac, the play itself is not. Instead, the French giants are linking up expertly with the young players around them, even if they are just in-prime juan brunetaWhich he set up with a spectacular backheel after taking on two defenders in the second leg of the semi-final against the perennial prospects of Cruz Azul or Tigres. diego lanez Or Oziel Herrera.
Toluca defender Federico Pereira, when asked about shutting down Gignac, said, “They always put me in charge of complicated matters, so we will try to perform well, do everything possible to neutralize every opponent – not just Gignac.” “They have other great players as well. We will try to deal with it as a team, manage everyone.”
“They ended the tournament well and also played well in the Liguilla. The best way to defend them is to make sure they don’t have the ball, and we are good in attack, so we need to balance both matches.
on the back, Nahuel Guzman The goalkeeper remains. While shot-stoppers have a different age range than forwards, Guzmán is getting there, too, after spending more than a decade with Tigres.
As a goalkeeper, he is clearly not sharing time with the younger players, but the Tigres back line has been boosted by improved centre-back play. joaquim, jesus angulo And JJ PurtaAlso a continuation of summer signings marco farfan,
Pizarro was a teammate of both legends and remains their friend, which will certainly change how the club manages its continued journey towards – and in Gignac’s case – its fifth decade on the planet. However, right now, both of the older players are playing well enough to easily carve out their spots on the field – while doing so while complementing the younger players around them.
The matches will take place in two stadiums that traditionally have the best atmospheres in the league, meaning anything on the road is worth anything. In particular, Tigres seems to have a huge obligation to get a win tonight at El Volcan.
first stage – December 11, 9pm ET – Telemundo/Universo/Fox Deportes
Second phase – December 14, 8pm ET – Univision/CBS Sports Network
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