'We’re going for it all' - Antonio Mohamed leads Toluca to Liga MX final, with club one step away from capturing 11th league title

Antonio "Turco" Mohamed has once again proven why he’s considered one of the most accomplished managers in Liga MX. With Toluca’s triumph over Tigres in the Clausura 2025 semifinals, the Argentine tactician has now led a fourth different team to the Liga MX Final - a feat few coaches can claim.

"We’re going for everything," Mohamed said after the win. "I’m not going to say publicly who I’d prefer to face. I know who, but I’ll keep it to myself. This isn't about revenge. Pumas was a personal matter - this is something else. I’m enjoying the moment, especially with my son beside me, which is a huge bonus. We’re going for it all. Hopefully next Sunday, we’ll be sitting here with the trophy. That’s our dream. It won’t be easy; both teams are very strong. We’ll give it everything we’ve got.”

With a brace from Alexis Vega and a goal by Edgar López, Toluca secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Tigres at the Estadio Nemesio Diez, sealing their place in the final with a convincing 4-1 aggregate score. Toluca will play the winner of the other seminfinal, América or Cruz Azul, for the title.

The Red Devils are now one step away from capturing their 11th Liga MX title, a prize that has eluded them since the Bicentenario 2010 tournament. That last championship came under the guidance of José Manuel de la Torre, when Toluca edged out Santos Laguna in a dramatic penalty shootout following a tied aggregate score.

Since then, the storied club from the State of Mexico has remained competitive, but silverware has been just out of reach - until now. With Mohamed at the helm, the Diablos Rojos have found renewed identity and purpose, finishing the Clausura 2025 regular season as league leaders and securing home field advantage for the decisive leg of the final at the iconic Estadio Nemesio Diez.

This latest run to the final marks Mohamed’s sixth appearance in a Liga MX championship series. He previously reached finals with Club América, Monterrey (three times) and Tijuana. His track record includes titles and deep postseason runs, making him one of the most decorated and consistent managers in recent Mexican football.

Despite the magnitude of the victory over Tigres - one of the most dominant sides of the past decade - Mohamed remained respectful and measured in his comments.

"Out of respect for the opponent, I won’t say much," he said. "Guido [Pizarro] is a friend. We were the better team across both legs. We earned this result against a club that has been arguably the strongest in recent years. Our goal was to make the final, and now we’re here."

Looking ahead, Mohamed emphasized the importance of a strong first leg: "We need to play well in the first match. The atmosphere here is amazing - we enjoy playing in this stadium, we know the pitch. It’s a final - there are no favorites."

Following Tigres’ elimination, coach Guido Pizarro reflected on the team’s struggles, particularly in away matches. He pointed to the lack of goals as a critical issue.

"It’s something we can’t allow to happen," he said. "We need to analyze, reflect on what’s ahead - there are definitely things we need to improve. But yes, without a doubt, the lack of goals is something we have to address."

As they wait to see whether their opponent will be América or Cruz Azul - who face off in the other semifinal -Toluca is preparing for a final that promises intensity and history.

The first leg will be played either at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes (América’s temporary home) or the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where Cruz Azul is hosting games this season.