América and Toluca collide in a historic final for the four-time championship

An epic duel that revives a rivalry of half a century, where the eagles and the devils write another chapter.

Publicado 19 mayo, 2025 el 19 de mayo a las 16:10 | 3 mins reading |3,780 vistas | por Miguel Torres

When the past and the present meet (with a touch of drama)

Imagine this: it’s 1971, the world hears Led Zeppelin for the first time, Mexico is experiencing its own football revolution with the first Liguilla, and América ruins the party for Toluca with a 2-0 at Azteca. Fast forward 54 years (yes, half a century, football grandparents), and here we are, repeating the soap opera. The eagles, with their ego as three-time champions, against the devils, who have been waiting for a title for 15 years like someone waiting for the truck on a Sunday.

Toluca: when “Hell” does not scare even the most fearful

The Scarlets have a record at home that makes others sad. Since 2002, in finals, their Nemesio Díez stadium seems more like a spa than hell: 3 draws, 4 defeats, and zero glories. They even won two titles despite playing there (thanks, penalties). Their last home show was a 1-5 against Pachuca in 2022, which was basically an unsolved crime. Can they break the curse or will they still be the “almost, almost” team?

America, meanwhile, parades its aura of invincibles as if they were the Avengers of Mexican soccer. Three recent away finals: three draws. They neither lose nor let live. And now, with the chance to equal Chivas as the only four-time champions, they are hungrier than a student after a final exam.

The revenge that no one saw coming (but we all want to see)

Six months ago, in the Apertura 2024, América humiliated Toluca with a 4-0 aggregate score. But be careful, because the Devils had already done them a similar favor in 2022, eliminating them in the semifinals. This is like that Netflix drama where no one knows who will betray who first. And if that were not enough, in this Clausura 2025, América beat them 3-0 with the bonus of an improper lineup from Toluca (8 foreigners on the field, because the rules are just suggestions, right?).

The final will be played at the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium (first leg) and the Nemesio Díez (second leg). Schedules to be confirmed, but the hype is already at season premiere levels for your favorite series.

Who will win? If América achieves it, it will be legend. If Toluca breaks the curse, it will be cinema. And we, the fans, just ask for a Twitter-worthy drama.

Did you like this analysis? Share it on your networks and tag your favorite rival. Let the game begin!

Sports

Portugal fires Modric and keeps Ronaldo’s dream alive

Portugal beats Croatia 2-1 and advances to the round of 16; Modric says goodbye to the World Cup.

Publicado 8 hours ago el 2 de julio a las 23:22 | 2 mins reading

Portugal and Croatia faced each other in a duel that defined their place in the round of 16. It was also the last World Cup dance for two legends: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. In the end, Portugal won 2-1 and prolonged the hope of their captain, while the Croatian said goodbye to the World Cups.

Development of the meeting

The game started with intensity. Croatia warned in the 3rd minute with a shot by Ante Budimir that the Portuguese goalkeeper controlled without problems. Portugal responded immediately: Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha tested the Croatian goalkeeper, but the scoreboard did not move. During the first half, the Lusitanians took control of the pace, although without achieving anything. Both teams went into the break at 0-0.

In the second half, Croatia struck first. In the 53rd minute, Ivan Perišić controlled inside the area and scored with precision to open the scoring, his first goal in the tournament. The Balkans were close to extending the lead in the 56th minute, but Nikola Vlašić scored from an offside position and the goal was disallowed.

Portugal reacted in the 60th minute with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, also disallowed for offside. However, at 68′, the Portuguese took revenge from the penalty spot and made it 1-1. Croatia once again had a goal disallowed in the 80th minute, when Petar Sucic was penalized for offside. Moments later, Ronaldo was replaced by Rúben Neves, visibly upset.

When the game seemed to be heading towards overtime, Gonçalo Ramos appeared at minute 90+3 and, with a header, unleashed the Portuguese celebration. Croatia tried to equalize and Joško Gvardiol scored at 90+12, but the referee annulled the action. Portugal took the victory and sealed its ticket to the round of 16, where Spain awaits.

The night left two faces: the joy of Ronaldo, who continues dreaming, and the farewell of Modric, who closes his World Cup history with the pride of an unforgettable generation.

Sports

Pochettino adopts the Mexican song to motivate the US

The phrase that unites Mexico and the United States in the World Cup.

Publicado 9 hours ago el 2 de julio a las 22:45 | 2 mins reading

The shared illusion

The journey of the Mexican National Team in this World Cup has revived the hope of millions. After beating Ecuador in the round of 32, the team advances with the dream of reaching the quarterfinals, or even further. The fans chant a chant that has become a flag: “What if?” — a phrase that Javier Aguirre described as nice and that now resonates in the stands.

But Mexico is not the only living host. The United States, led by Mauricio Pochettino, also qualified for the round of 16, where they will face Belgium. The Argentine coach borrowed that same question to fire up his players.

Pochettino’s strategy

In an interview with Pat McAfee’s show, Pochettino said: “Why not us?”

“It is an incredible country with incredible people, it is possible for us to achieve whatever we want. They reached the moon, it is true that they are the most powerful country in all areas. Why not also in football? Why not us?” said the former Tottenham and PSG coach.

The statement seeks to spread confidence in a team that seeks to make history. The illusion, as in Mexico, sneaks into the American locker room.

Sports

Checo Pérez dreams of seeing Mexico, but Silverstone stops him

Checo Pérez and George Russell joke about attending the Mexico vs England match, but the British GP prevents it.

Publicado 9 hours ago el 2 de julio a las 22:21 | 2 mins reading

Checo Pérez’s desire for Mexico vs England

This Sunday, the Mexican National Team faces England in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, at the Mexico City Stadium. Mexican driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez, currently at Cadillac, expressed his desire to attend the game. In statements alongside the English pilot George Russell, Pérez recalled that he had already regretted not being able to go to the duel against South Korea in Guadalajara.

“It was very sad, I tried to go but it was difficult to find a way, but if we move forward I will definitely go, because it would be in Mexico City again, so I will have to go,” mentioned Checo.

When Russell said the game is against England, the Mercedes driver joked: “Then I’ll get on the plane and go with you.”

The conflict with the British Grand Prix

However, both seem to forget that on Sunday, at 8:00 a.m. (Mexico City time), they must be present at the British Grand Prix, at Silverstone. The game is at 6:00 p.m., Mexican time, which makes it impossible for them to attend the Coloso de Santa Úrsula.

Although the hope was there, the Formula 1 agenda and the World Cup dream collide. For now, Checo will have to settle for watching the match from the Silverstone paddock, as Mexico looks to advance to the quarterfinals.