Liga MX Final Will Feature Two Deserving Teams | OneFootball

A Rare Pairing

The upcoming Liga MX final delivers something fans rarely get to see: the two best teams from the regular season facing each other for the title. To put this in context, since 2000 only 5 of the 50 Liguillas have featured the top two sides facing off in the final.

Toluca, who finished first, and Tigres, who finished second, have proven their consistency from August to December. In a league known for parity, surprises, and liguilla chaos, having both the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds reach the final is almost a small miracle. But this season, it happened—and both earned their spot.

A Crooked Road

Their paths through the semifinals, however, were anything but straightforward. Toluca endured an emotional, high-scoring battle of endurance against Monterrey. After losing the first leg 1–0 in Monterrey, Toluca returned home needing goals—and delivered. Their 3–2 win in the second leg brought the aggregate to 3–3, and although the series was tied, the league’s rules reward regular-season excellence. As the higher seed, Toluca advanced, but only after a tense, back-and-forth series in which every goal felt decisive.

Tigres, meanwhile, faced a Cruz Azul side that showed no fear and refused to give an inch. Both legs ended in identical 1–1 draws, and the margins between the teams felt razor thin. Tigres created pressure, Cruz Azul responded with discipline, and neither managed to break the deadlock. In the end, Tigres advanced by virtue of their regular-season position—a reminder once again that finishing high in the table matters in Liga MX. Still, it was a semifinal that demanded patience, defensive focus, and the ability to avoid costly mistakes.

A Fine Finals Clash

Now, the final presents a clash worthy of the season’s storylines. As a Tigres fan, I naturally hope to see them lift the trophy once again. Their veteran core, big-game experience, and mentality have kept them competitive for more than a decade. Players like André-Pierre Gignac and Nahuel Guzmán continue to anchor the team in decisive moments, and Tigres’ depth gives them the tools to adapt to whatever Toluca throws at them.

But if I had to gamble with my head rather than my heart, I might give Toluca a slight edge. Hosting the second leg at the Estadio Nemesio Diez is a significant advantage, especially with its altitude and reputation for its intensity. Toluca has also shown resilience and tactical versatility throughout the campaign, adapting to different opponents and surviving tough situations.

And of course, there is the Toluca manager: Antonio Mohamed. “El Turco” already has four Liga MX championships, each won with a different club—a remarkable achievement that highlights his ability to build winning teams quickly. His experience in finals, combined with Toluca’s balance and discipline, makes them a formidable opponent.

Still, nothing suggests this will be a one-sided affair. Both clubs have the quality, depth, and identity to compete for 180 minutes at the highest level. It is shaping up to be a tight, strategic, and emotionally charged final—the kind fans hope for at the end of every season.

Two teams deserving, two giants in form, one trophy at stake. No surprises, no miracles—just the best of Liga MX going head-to-head for the crown.