Why the Toluca Victory Secures a Historic Back to Back Championship and Ties the Club for Second Most Liga MX Titles
Deportivo Toluca claimed their 12th Liga MX title and secured a historic back to back championship after defeating the UANL Tigres in a dramatic final that culminated in the longest penalty shootout in league history. The second leg of the final, played on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Estadio Nemesio Díez, saw Toluca overcome a first leg deficit to force extra time and penalties, confirming their status as one of the most successful clubs in Mexican football history.
The immediate result of the final confirmed Toluca as the Apertura 2025 champion with a 9-8 victory in the penalty shootout, following a 2-1 win in the second leg that tied the aggregate score at 2-2. Tigres had taken a 1-0 lead in the first leg thanks to a goal from Ángel Correa. In the second leg, Tigres went ahead early with a goal from Fernando Gorriarán. Toluca, however, rallied with two crucial goals from Brazilian winger Helinho in the 41st minute and Portuguese striker Paulinho in the 52nd minute. The 2-1 final score held through a tense period of extra time, forcing the title to be decided by a grueling penalty kick marathon.
Key player contributions during the extraordinary 24-kick penalty shootout defined the final moments of the championship. Toluca's victory was sealed by captain Alexis Vega, who converted both his initial penalty and the championship winning kick. The goalkeeper Luis García also delivered vital saves during the sudden death rounds to keep Toluca in the fight. The shootout was marked by multiple misses from both sides, including a decisive final miss by Tigres' Ángel Correa, which paved the way for Vega to cement the Diablos Rojos' victory and ignite celebrations at "La Bombonera."
Understanding the significance of this final, Toluca became the fifth team since 1996 to win back to back Liga MX titles, defending the trophy they won in the Clausura 2025 tournament. This twelfth league title also moved the club into a tie with Chivas for the second most championships in the history of the league. Coach Antonio Mohamed, who led the team to the consecutive titles, reinforced his own legendary status in Mexican football by capturing his fifth career Liga MX championship.
The long term outlook for Liga MX sees the rivalry between Toluca and Tigres intensifying following this epic final. Toluca will enter the Clausura 2026 season aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive championship. The nature of the penalty shootout a thrilling test of nerve and skill provided a dramatic conclusion to the Apertura 2025 and guaranteed that the names of Alexis Vega and Luis García will forever be linked with this historic Liga MX final.