Toluca Defeats Mazatlán 3-1 Despite Héctor HerreraS Red Card
TOLUCA, MEXICO – Toluca secured their fifth consecutive liga MX victory with a 3-1 win over Mazatlán FC, despite playing with ten men for 45 minutes following the expulsion of Héctor Herrera. The match, played at estadio Nemesio Diez, saw goals from Herrera, Bruno Méndez, and Paulinho.
Héctor Herrera opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a long-distance shot, putting Toluca ahead 1-0. Mazatlán’s hopes were dealt a blow in added time of the first half when Herrera received a red card for a foul on Jordan Sierra after a VAR review.
Playing a man down, Toluca extended their lead in the 49th minute. A corner kick resulted in a goal by Bruno Méndez, who scored from a scramble in the box, making it 2-0.
Mazatlán’s Bryan Colula attempted to respond with a shot on goal, but it was saved by Toluca goalkeeper Hugo González.
Toluca added a third goal in the 87th minute through a penalty kick converted by Paulinho, after a foul on Marcel Ruiz. Paulinho’s goal puts him in contention for the tournament’s scoring title.
Mazatlán managed a consolation goal in the final moments with a free kick from Nicolás Benedetti that deflected off the barrier and into the net, finalizing the score at 3-1.
Toluca’s win marks their fifth straight league triumph since their defeat against Cruz Azul on matchday 6. Manager Antonio Mohamed opted to rest players like Paulinho and Fede Pereira, who started on the bench.