'After leaving Chivas, I was lost' - Alexis Vega gets emotional after ending América’s dominance and leading Toluca back to glory

In a night that will live long for Toluca fans, the Diablos Rojos clinched their eleventh league title, halting Club América's dreams of a historic four-peat.

Led by Alexis Vega on the field and Antonio Mohamed from the bench, Toluca brought an end to a 15-year wait for championship glory with a 2-0 victory on Sunday, moving within one trophy of tying Chivas as the second-most successful team in Liga MX history. América remains on top with 16 league titles.

For Vega, the triumph marked a powerful personal and professional turning point.

“After leaving Chivas, I was lost,” the forward said. “I had offers from MLS and two other Liga MX clubs. Then Toluca came in. I wanted to keep growing, both as a player and as a person. I was going through a tough time, and coming home felt like the right move.”

Vega, who grew up in Toluca youth academy, said the familiarity with the city, the club, and the fans helped him reconnect with his game. The result? His best season yet - 13 goals and 11 assists - fueling hopes of making an impact with the national team in the upcoming World Cup.

As for rumors linking him to América, Vega brushed them aside: “Those are just rumors. Right now, my focus is on the national team.”

At the helm of Toluca’s resurgence was Antonio “El Turco” Mohamed, whose emotional connection with his players and signature leadership style proved vital in the high-pressure moments of the playoffs. With a tight final decided by the slimmest of margins, Mohamed’s tactical preparation made the difference.

“Just yesterday, we practiced shots to the far post at this very goal,” he said, crediting training-ground detail for their success.

Despite the rivalry with América, Mohamed downplayed the idea that beating the capital club added extra satisfaction.

“Of course they’re a big team, and that gives the win more shine,” he admitted. “But it’s not about them. It’s about Toluca, this institution. That’s what matters.”

Mohamed, who took over with a long-term project in mind, once again proved his managerial class. His contract expires in December, and while he hasn’t confirmed his future, the Argentine coach didn’t rule out extending his stay.

“Right now, I just want to enjoy this. I’m very happy here,” he said with a smile.

Portuguese striker Paulinho, meanwhile, played a pivotal role in the title run. With 14 goals this season, he claimed the Liga MX golden boot for the second consecutive tournament.

Reflecting on the achievement, he said, “I'm just happy - for the team, for the fans, for the club. After that match against Monterrey, we realized that if we played united as a team, we could accomplish anything. Beating América was no small feat. We had to overcome three tough opponents to be crowned champions.”

For Toluca, the title is more than a trophy - it’s a statement of intent. With a solid squad, a passionate fanbase, and a reinvigorated sense of identity, the Diablos Rojos are back where they belong, at the summit of Mexican football.

With their latest championship, Toluca has reached 11 Liga MX titles, solidifying their place as the third most successful club in Mexican football history. The Diablos Rojos surpassed Cruz Azul - who sit at nine championships - and within one trophy of catching Chivas, who have 12.

Meanwhile, Club América missed a golden chance to secure their 17th title. The defeat leaves them at 16, still the most decorated club in Mexico.

Adding to the achievement, Mohamed claimed his fourth Liga MX title, doing so with a fourth different club. That feat places him among legends like Ignacio Trelles and Víctor Manuel Vucetich, the only other managers to accomplish the same.