Monterrey Edges Toluca 1-0 in First leg of Liga MX semifinal
Monterrey secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Toluca in the first leg of their Liga MX semifinal clash, played at the BBVA ‘Gigante de Acero’ Stadium in Guadalupe, Nuevo León. Germán Berterame scored the decisive goal in the 39th minute, capitalizing on a high center from Jesús ‘tecatito’ Corona.
The match saw a flurry of activity, with Monterrey maintaining control for extended periods but struggling to convert opportunities. Hugo González, Toluca’s goalkeeper, proved crucial, denying attempts from ‘Tecatito’ Corona (38′) and a header from Monterrey (41′). Toluca also had chances, with Fidel Ambriz shooting wide (35′) and Paulinho being thwarted by a Ricardo Chávez sweep (33′). Two minutes of added time were played in the first half, ending with Monterrey’s advantage. The second half began with renewed energy at 46′.
Lineups:
Monterrey: Luis Cárdenas, Ricardo Chávez, Sergio Ramos (C), Stefan Medina, Gerardo Arteaga, Fidel ambriz, Iker Fimbres, Oliver Torres, Jesús Corona, Sergio Canales, Germán Berterame; DT: Doménec Torrent.
Toluca: Hugo González, Diego Barbosa, Federico Pereira, Antonio Briseño, Everardo López, Jesús Gallardo, marcel Ruiz (C), Franco Romero, Nico Castro, Helinho, Paulinho; DT: Antonio Mohamed.
