Toluca Eliminates The Champion

Santos relinquished their crown after they were defeated by a solid Toluca side in the semifinals of the Torneo Apertura 2008. Toluca became the second finalist and will dispute the title against Cruz Azul.

Dec 7, 2008 7:43:24 PM

More On :  Santos Laguna, Toluca
Hector Mancilla- Toluca vs Santos Laguna (Mexsport)
By José E Morales

Second Leg
Sunday, 7 of December, 2008

*Toluca 2 - 1 Santos
(Aggregate Score:  2 - 1)
*Advances to Final

The Guerreros burned in the inferno of “La Bombonera” today. 

Although they drew first blood, Toluca's practical and efficient approach in the semifinals proved victorious over Santos' offensive prowess. 
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The series ended with a 2-1 aggregate score in favor of the Red Devils, who not only eliminated the current champion but demonstrated their dominance in the Liguilla’s with seven finals appearances in the past decade.

Toluca will now move on to dispute the Final of the Torneo Apertura 2008 against the Cementeros of Cruz Azul.

The Match
The game started out with both sides playing very conservatively and seemingly getting closer to goal as they tested each other from long to mid range distances. 

It appeared as though the battle was to be won on the ground, in the midfield, and in the fight for space.   

Heading into the second leg, Toluca goalkeeper Hernán Cristante, had over 700 minutes without receiving a goal. 

However, it was Santos youngster Edgar Castillo that ended that record at 772 minutes.


In the 26th minute, Castillo scored on a fantastic play with a wall pass into the box off Daniel Ludueña.  With Castillo firing a cracker that hit the back of the net, he left Cristante with very little chance at the shot.

With all the excitement of being up on the board, Santos lacked focus and concentration as Toluca drew level just two minutes later on a corner kick hammered into the net by Edgar Dueñas.

Both sides grew very conservative upon the 1-1 equalizer, with neither side allowing the other anything to work with.  

Juan Pablo Rodríguez came near on a marvelously taken free kick that was eventually saved by the record-breaking goalkeeper Cristante. 

The Estadio Nemesio Díez exploded when in the 61st minute, Hector Mancilla came into the box to receive an aerial ball from Antonio Naelson ‘Sinha’ and hammered the final nail in Santos' coffin for the definitive 2-1 score.

There were lots of protests for offsides, but Referee Paul Enrique Delgadillo waved them away and signaled the goal.

What transpired following Toluca's goal was puzzling. 

Santos manager, Daniel Guzmán, took out what seemed to be the Guerreros entire arsenal.  He took off Cuauhtémoc Blanco and was soon followed by Argentine playmaker Daniel Ludueña.  

Blanco was completely shut-down with no space to operate, and no time to think throughout the semifinal series.

Matías ‘El Toro’ Vuoso was left alone up front to fend for himself and the result can attest as to how well that plan worked out.

The extensive experience of the Toluca side was the determining factor on the day, not to mention their imposing home field advantage.   

Only a miracle could have saved Santos in the end, since in the final minutes they showed no means of reaction to continue defending their title.

Toluca will now see Cruz Azul in the final, with both teams having built up a considerable amount of momentum. 

The Diablos Rojos are in search of their ninth cup, while Cruz Azul look to end their ever-long silverware drought.

-- José E Morales, Goal.com

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