Toluca Marks Anniversary with Narrow Victory over Tijuana
In a recent clash, Toluca celebrated a significant milestone while registering a narrow victory over Tijuana. The match, held at Estadio Nemesio Diez, culminated in a 1-0 scoreline, thanks to Portuguese forward Paulinho, who scored the decisive goal in the 21st minute.
Toluca’s 109th Anniversary Celebration
On February 12, 2026, Toluca marked its 109th anniversary as a professional football team. The supporters paid tribute to the club’s history with a tifo dedicated to owner Valentín Diez, showcasing the prestigious titles held by the club.
Match Overview
The reigning Liga MX champions, Toluca, secured three crucial points in the league standings. Despite missing key players Alexis Vega and Nicolás Castro, the team maintained its resilience. Paulinho’s goal came following an excellent play by Marcel Ruíz on the left flank, marking a pivotal moment in the game.
Key Moments
- Paulinho’s Goal: Scored in the 21st minute, it was the only goal of the match.
- Disallowed Goals: Paulinho had two additional goals canceled due to offside calls.
- Tijuana’s Attempt: Kevin Castañeda’s outside shot in the dying moments highlighted Tijuana’s efforts to equalize.
Player Highlights
Paulinho emerged as a central figure, stepping up in the absence of injured teammates. Having entered the match with just one goal this season, he made a statement with his performance.
Additionally, Luan, a key player from the previous season, returned from injury, and his presence is expected to bolster the team further. New signing Jorge Díaz Priece also made his debut as a starter, providing fresh options in the attack.
Starting Lineups
| Toluca Starting XI | Xolos Starting XI |
|---|---|
| Hugo González | Antonio Rodríguez |
| Jesús Gallardo | Pablo Ortiz |
| Federico Pereira | Jackson Porozo |
| Bruno Méndez | Unai Bilbao |
| Santiago Simón | Rafael Fernández |
| Franco Romero | Iván Tona |
| Marcel Ruíz | Ignacio Rivero |
| Pavel Pérez | Adonis Preciado |
| Jesús Angulo | Ramiro Árciga |
| Jorge Díaz Priece | Mourad El Ghezouani |
| Paulinho | N/A |
Upcoming Matches
Toluca will face Necaxa next at Estadio Victoria in Matchday 7, while Tijuana is set to host Mazatlán, eager to return to winning ways.