'América is the biggest' - Toluca coach Antonio Mohamed pays respect to opponent as teams set to meet in Clausura 2025 final

Toluca and América will face off in the Clausura 2025 final, with the first leg set to take place Thursday at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. Ahead of the title decider, Toluca coach Antonio Mohamed - Liga MX champion with Xolos, América, and Monterrey - spoke about what winning the championship with Toluca would mean.

He also showed respect for Las Águilas, who are aiming for their fourth consecutive title.

"América is the biggest, there's no doubt about that. We'll try to stop them from winning four straight tournaments - that's why we're here," said Mohamed during media day. "Facing América in the final isn't anything special. I’ve done it before and nothing happens, life goes on.

"We're doing well. We have a team capable of competing. There are no excuses - we're in the final, and we're going all in. Whoever has to play will give it their all. Sometimes in back-to-back matches you lose some players, but that doesn’t take away from our dream. It’s still intact, and we’ll go for it with everything we’ve got."

Toluca will be without their goalkeeper Pau López for the final.

Meanwhile, striker Paulinho, who won the golden boot for the second tournament in a row, said he would gladly trade that personal accolade for the championship.

"Winning the golden boot makes you happy for a day, but then you want more. When you win a championship, you become part of history. It’s something people never forget. People talk about golden boots, but they talk even more about championships," said the Portuguese striker.

Toluca aim to end a 15-year title drought in this Clausura - and what better way to do it than against the three-time Mexican champions, América. In their last three meetings, Las Águilas have come out on top, defeating Toluca 3-0 in Matchday 10 of the current tournament.

In the Apertura 2024 quarterfinals, América advanced by winning 4-0 on aggregate. Now, Toluca is seeking revenge and will close out the final at home on Sunday.

“It gives me goosebumps to remember everything I’ve been through since I had the chance to represent this club,” said Alexis Vega, reflecting on his journey as Toluca prepares for the Liga MX Final. “I was 15 years old, traveling alone from Mexico City to Toluca. I would wake up at 4 a.m. just to get there by 10 for training, and after that, make the trip back home. It’s something I value deeply - the effort, the sacrifice. Later, Toluca let me stay with them, and things got a bit easier.

“Now I think about this moment, this dream I’ve chased for so long. Life and football owe me one, and I hope this is it."

Toluca and América, teams with plenty of history, will meet in the final for the second time. It will also mark the 12th time they’ve clashed in the playoffs.

In postseason play, América and Toluca have faced each other 11 times, with Toluca winning six of those series and América five. As for finals, there has been just one prior meeting between the two clubs - América emerged victorious in the 1970-71 season.