In a dramatic encounter in the Liga MX Clausura 2025 Liguilla, Toluca managed to level the aggregate score at 3–3 against Monterrey in the second leg of their quarterfinal clash. The match, played on May 11, 2025, ended with a 1–0 victory for Toluca, thanks to a crucial goal by Alexis Vega in the 30th minute. However, the thrilling affair did not stop there, as the tie saw a key defensive absence for Monterrey due to an injury concern involving star player Sergio Ramos.
Ramos, the experienced former Real Madrid captain, had already been sidelined for the past three matches due to a lingering injury and was once again ruled out of this important second leg. This absence was a significant blow to Monterrey, who were already facing a tight aggregate score after the first leg, which had ended 3–2 in their favor. Ramos’ presence in defense was sorely missed, as the team struggled to maintain their advantage in the Toluca - Monterrey clash. The 38-year-old central defender had been instrumental throughout the season, but his injury kept him out of action, leaving Monterrey without his leadership at the back during a crucial match.
Despite Ramos's absence, Monterrey was the first to find the back of the net during the Toluca - Monterrey encounter. Helinho opened the scoring in the 21st minute, giving Monterrey a 1–0 lead on the night and a 4–2 aggregate advantage. The visitors looked to control the match with possession, but their defense, already undermined by the absence of Ramos, struggled to cope with Toluca’s attack in the Toluca - Monterrey game.
Just moments after their goal, Monterrey’s hopes took a blow when Toluca responded in the 30th minute. Alexis Vega was the hero for Toluca, scoring the equalizer, which leveled the aggregate score at 3–3. The intensity of the Toluca - Monterrey match grew, but it wasn’t just the attacking players who were making headlines. Monterrey’s Antonio Briseño was sent off with a red card in the 32nd minute, further complicating their defense for the rest of the Toluca - Monterrey match. The red card left Monterrey playing with 10 men, and this gave Toluca an advantage they exploited to full effect in the Toluca - Monterrey clash.
In the second half, both teams fought fiercely, but neither was able to break the deadlock. As the match concluded, the 1–0 victory for Toluca meant they had successfully leveled the aggregate score at 3–3. However, due to their higher position in the regular season standings, Toluca advanced to the semifinals, leaving Monterrey to rue their missed chances in the Toluca - Monterrey contest.
The statistics from the game reflected the hard-fought nature of the encounter. Toluca had 48.4% possession compared to Monterrey’s 51.6%, while both teams managed only a few shots on goal. Toluca earned a single shot on target, while Monterrey failed to test the goalkeeper in the Toluca - Monterrey game. In terms of discipline, Toluca received one yellow card, while Monterrey also had a yellow card and the significant red card for Briseño in the Toluca - Monterrey match.
The match served as a reminder of the high stakes of the Liguilla and the impact injuries can have on a team’s fortunes. For Monterrey, the absence of Ramos was a costly one, as the veteran defender’s leadership and experience were sorely missed in the Toluca - Monterrey game, where every detail mattered. As Toluca advances, they will be looking to build on their victory and prepare for the upcoming semifinals, while Monterrey will have to regroup after this tough exit in the Toluca - Monterrey encounter.
