COLUMBUS – Liga MX champions Toluca came from behind in their Leagues Cup debut, drawing 2-2 with the Columbus Crew before clinching the extra point with a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout.
Toluca’s heroes of the night were Paulinho, who scored twice in regulation time, and goalkeeper Luis García, who saved three penalties. The Red Devils had a rough first half, conceding early in the 11th minute from a penalty converted by Uruguay’s Diego Rossi. Despite a chance to equalize from the spot, a VAR review disallowed the opportunity due to an offside, sending Toluca into halftime trailing 1-0.
The second half started poorly for Toluca as well, with Max Arfsten scoring just three minutes after the break to put Columbus 2-0 ahead. The Mexican side struggled with defensive lapses and found themselves in a tough spot before the 50-minute mark.
But then the comeback began. Toluca showed grit and better football in the final stretch of the match. In the 71st minute, Paulinho capitalized on a rebound to pull one back—a goal confirmed after a VAR check. Just minutes later, Paulinho struck again with a header assisted by Alexis Vega, leveling the score at 2-2.
Columbus had a chance to regain the lead when they were awarded a late penalty, but Toluca’s keeper Luis García made a crucial save against Rossi in the 88th minute.
With eight minutes of stoppage time added and no further goals, the game went to penalties. Luis García became the star once more, stopping two more penalties—again denying Rossi and then Amar Sejdic. Alexis Vega, Luan, Jesús Gallardo, and Helinho converted for Toluca, with only Bruno Méndez missing his attempt. Toluca won the shootout 4-2, securing the additional point awarded in the Leagues Cup format.
LUIS GARCÍA SAVES THE DAY
Despite a shaky start, Luis García was instrumental in Toluca’s result. He saved a critical penalty during regular time and two more in the shootout, proving to be the deciding factor in the match.
A PANENKA TWIST
Though García saved three penalties, he couldn’t stop a cheeky Panenka from Taha Habroune. Fortunately for Toluca, they had already done enough to secure the victory.
HYDRATION BREAKS
Due to high temperatures and humidity, the referee allowed hydration breaks in both halves, which occurred in the 26th and 73rd minutes.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Paulinho was undoubtedly the standout performer. His two goals brought Toluca back from a 0-2 deficit and pushed the match into penalties. His composure and killer instinct were key to Toluca’s comeback.
TURNING POINT
Paulinho’s second goal—just minutes after his first—was the moment that swung momentum in Toluca’s favor. It energized the team and paved the way for the dramatic conclusion.
TOLUCA’S STARTING XI
Luis García; Diego Barbosa, Federico Pereira, Luan García, Bruno Méndez; Jesús Gallardo, Marcel Ruiz, Franco Romero, Jesús Angulo; Alexis Vega, Paulinho.
COLUMBUS CREW’S STARTING XI
Patrick Schulte; Darlington Nagbe, Chadi Chambost, Dániel Gazdag, Diego Rossi; Mohamed Farsi, Jacen Russell-Rowe, Yevhen Cheberko, Sean Zawadzki; Max Arfsten, Steven Moreira.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR TOLUCA?
Toluca will face CF Montréal in their next Leagues Cup match on Friday, August 1 at 7:00 p.m. (Mexico City time) / 9:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
WHAT’S NEXT FOR COLUMBUS CREW?
Also on Friday, Columbus Crew will play Puebla at 6:30 p.m. (CDMX) / 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
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