'Toluca came here to defend' - Club America's André Jardine criticizes Los Diablos Rojos' tactics and officiating after first leg 0-0 draw in Liga MX Final

Club América were unable to capitalize on home-field advantage Thursday night, settling for a 0-0 draw against Toluca in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 Grand Final, played at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.

In the post-match press conference, América head coach André Jardine shared his thoughts on a tightly contested match, acknowledging Toluca's defensive approach and emphasizing that finishing, or lack thereof, could ultimately determine the champion.

“It was a very tight match. Toluca came here to defend, and they did so with intensity. We had more initiative, but we lacked clarity in the final third — in the decisive passes that could’ve led to goals,” Jardine said. “The tie is still open, and the return leg will be just as tough. Finishing will be the key.”

The Brazilian manager also expressed frustration with some of the tactics used by the opposition, as well as the officiating.

“Football is meant to be played. But when teams use every trick to disrupt the game, to stop play, it becomes a refereeing issue. At times, the officiating seemed to favor the other team.”

The 0-0 result left a bitter taste for Jardine's América, a team that had made the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes a fortress throughout the season. This time, however, they ran into the top seed of the Clausura 2025 — Toluca.

The visitors executed Antonio Mohamed’s game plan to near perfection: sit deep, stay organized, and avoid conceding. Even without Paulinho — the two-time Golden Boot winner who was ruled out at the last minute — Alexis Vega and Robert Morales fought hard up front, though both were largely isolated and unable to threaten consistently.

Nothing is settled yet. Whether América claim a historic fourth consecutive title or Toluca lift their first Liga MX trophy in 15 years — and 11th overall — will be decided this Sunday at Estadio Nemesio Diez, the home of Los Choriceros.

Jardine was also asked about the status of Brian Rodríguez, who was expected to return for the match but was ultimately ruled out due to lingering muscle discomfort.

“We have to be responsible. Muscle injuries are delicate, and rushing him back could be dangerous,” he explained. “Hopefully, he can train well over the next few days and be available for the second leg.”

Speaking after the 0-0 first-leg result at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, Toluca manager Antonio “El Turco” Mohamed offered a measured take on whether the draw was a good enough result heading into the return leg at home.

“I don’t know if it’s enough or not. We’re playing against the reigning three-time champions, and while we’ve brought the series home, that’s no guarantee,” he said. “Now, we’ll have to take the initiative, and we know it’s going to be even tougher than tonight’s match.”

The championship will be decided this Sunday at Estadio Nemesio Diez, where both clubs will battle for Liga MX glory. Club América is chasing a historic fourth consecutive league title — an achievement never before seen in the modern era — and their 17th overall. Meanwhile, Toluca is hoping to end a 15-year title drought and secure what would be their 11th Liga MX crown.

Both managers — Jardine and Mohamed — are also aiming for their fourth title in Mexican football, adding another layer of intrigue to a final that remains wide open.