In the second round of the Clausura, the Red Devils secured a strong 3-1 win against the Warriors, who managed to score only once. The goals for the home team came from Marcel Ruiz (7’ 2T), Helio Nunes (14’ 2T, penalty), and Haret Ortega (5’ 2T, own goal). The lone goal for the visiting side was netted by Fran Villalba (20’ 1T).
Marcel Ruiz was undoubtedly the star of the match. The Toluca FC midfielder not only scored a goal but also made four attempts on goal, constantly threatening the opposition’s defense.
Helio Nunes also played a crucial role, contributing significantly with another goal and four shots aimed at the target.
Coach Antonio Mohamed arranged Toluca in a 4-5-1 formation, with Luis García guarding the net; a defensive line comprising Francisco Pumpido, Antonio Briseño, Andrés Pereira, and Jesús Gallardo; a midfield featuring Franco Romero, Marcel Ruiz, Helio Nunes, Jesús Angulo, and Nicolás Castro; and Paulinho leading the attack.
On the other side, Francisco Rodríguez’s team set up in a similar 4-5-1 setup, with Carlos Acevedo in goal; Kevin Picón, Haret Ortega, Efrain Orona, and Bruno Amione forming the defense; Javier Güémez, Fran Villalba, Ramiro Sordo, Ezequiel Bullaude, and Carlos Gruezo in midfield; and Lucas Di Yorio in the forward position.
The match was officiated by referee Martín Molina Astorga at the Estadio Nemesio Díez.
In their next fixture, the Red Devils will face Tigres away, while the Warriors will play at home against FC Juárez. With this victory, the hosts now have 6 points and sit atop the league table, while the visitors remain empty-handed in the 18th position.
Substitutions for Toluca FC
45’ 2T – Francisco Pumpido for Santiago Simón, Antonio Briseño for Everardo López, and Kevin Picón for Cristian Dájome.
63’ 2T – Nicolás Castro for Pavel Pérez, and Ezequiel Bullaude for Tahiel Jimenez.
69’ 2T – Helio Nunes for Sebastián Córdova.
81’ 2T – Jesús Angulo for Jorge Díaz.
Bookings for Toluca FC:
33’ 1T – Helio Nunes (Unsportsmanlike conduct) and 33’ 1T – Marcel Ruiz (Insulting or disapproving the referee).
Substitutions for Santos Laguna
56’ 2T – Ramiro Sordo for Kevin Palacios, and Javier Güémez for Aldo López.
72’ 2T – Lucas Di Yorio for Salvador Mariscal.
Bookings for Santos Laguna:
32’ 1T – Javier Güémez (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 38’ 1T – Kevin Picón (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 1’ 2T – Fran Villalba (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 23’ 2T – Bruno Amione (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement), 23’ 2T – Efrain Orona (Insulting or disapproving the referee), and 38’ 2T – Carlos Gruezo (Unsportsmanlike conduct).