Mazatlán pulled off a surprising victory in Round 3 of the Clausura 2025, defeating Toluca 2-1 in a match where the absence of star goalkeeper Tiago Volpi proved costly. The 'Cañoneros' now sit at 4 points in the tournament, positioning themselves for a potential direct playoff spot in Liga MX.
The game, played at El Encanto, saw Mazatlán enter as the underdogs against Antonio Mohamed’s Diablos Rojos. Both teams came out aggressively, setting the tone for an exciting showdown.
Mazatlán struck first in the 16th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Toluca. After a well-delivered free-kick from the right flank, two quick headers inside the box set up Facundo Almada, who slotted the ball home to make it 1-0.
Toluca wasted no time responding. Just two minutes later, Alexis Vega sent a perfectly placed cross into the box, finding Marcel Ruiz, who calmly finished to equalize at 1-1 in the 18th minute.
Drama unfolded in the second half when Jordan Sierra went down in Toluca’s penalty area. Referee Adonai Escobedo initially awarded a penalty but overturned the call after a VAR review showed the defender made contact with the ball before the foul.
With Toluca struggling to adjust following Volpi’s departure, backup goalkeeper Luis GarcÃa was thrust into the spotlight. Unfortunately for the Diablos Rojos, GarcÃa made a crucial handling error, allowing Mazatlán to regain the lead at 2-1—a mistake that sealed the game and marked one of the biggest upsets of the Clausura 2025.
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