Tigres defeat Toluca 1-0 in the first leg and dream of the title

Tigres strike first in the grand final

Tigres UANL delivered the first blow in the final by defeating Toluca 1-0 in the first leg, played at Estadio Universitario. In an intense, physical, and highly contested match, the home side secured a narrow but valuable advantage heading into the return leg.

A tight first half with few clear chances

During the opening half, Tigres were the more proactive side, applying pressure and earning several corner kicks and attacking opportunities. However, Toluca’s defense remained solid, and the match went into halftime scoreless, reflecting a balanced contest with a slight edge for the hosts.

Toluca relied on defensive organization and looked to counterattack, but created little danger in the first 45 minutes.

Ángel Correa makes the difference

The decisive moment came early in the second half. In the 47th minute, Ángel Martín Correa found space inside the box and finished calmly to score the 1-0, igniting celebrations inside El Volcán.

From that point on, Tigres controlled the tempo of the match, while Toluca attempted to respond with substitutions and long-range efforts, only to be met by a well-organized Tigres defense.

Toluca reduced to ten men

Tension rose in the closing minutes when Toluca were left down to ten men after Robert Morales was sent off during stoppage time, further limiting the visitors’ chances of finding an equalizer and complicating their outlook for the second leg.

The series remains open

With this result, Tigres will head to the return leg holding a slim advantage, fully aware that nothing has been decided yet. Toluca will need a win at home to lift the trophy, while Tigres will aim to manage their lead and capitalize on any openings.

The second leg promises high drama, maximum intensity, and a fitting conclusion to the tournament.