For as long as you can remember, you’ve been a devoted supporter of Club América. You know the thrill of competition, the sorrow of defeat, and all in between. They have a storied rivalry with Deportivo Toluca. These two teams have been rivals in Liga MX for nearly 50 years. This exhaustive chronology is perfect for both newcomers interested in learning the background and longtime followers eager to relive their favourite moments. Everything that has happened between these two teams, from their first meeting in 1967 until their most current one, is documented here. It’s time to relive all the action and drama that has made América vs. Toluca a standard in Mexican football.
Table of Contents
The Beginning, 1920s to 1980s: Club América vs. Deportivo Toluca F.C.
Club América and Deportivo Toluca have been bitter rivals since the sport’s first days in Mexico.
- Both teams, along with others like Asturias and Germania, joined the Liga Mayor at its inception in the 1920s. The first official game between América and Toluca was played in 1927, and it ended in a 2-2 draw despite the intensity of the matches leading up to it.
- In the 1950s, the clubs’ competition for titles in the newly professional Primera División de México ratcheted up the intensity of their rivalry with one another. In contrast to Toluca’s lone championship, América dominated the 2000s by taking home five. These contests were intensely contested and were frequently referred to as “the classic of classics.”
- The tide began to swing in favour of Toluca in the 1970s. During the decade, they won four championships against América’s two. The 1975 and 1978 seasons were particularly exciting, with dramatic late-game goals and contentious calls that angered guilas supporters.
- In the 1980s, América found new success, and the team won five championships once more. Some of the most memorable victories were thrashings of Toluca, such as a 4-1 triumph in 1983 and a come-from-behind 3-2 victory in 1985.
The rivalry between América and Toluca dates back more than 60 years, and each game has only gotten more intense in that time. When the Mexican football powerhouses guilas and Diablos Rojos square off, fans of both teams know they’re in for a thrilling 90 minutes no matter the era. While history may be on América’s side, every real fan knows that it doesn’t matter who you’ve beaten in the past if your bitter rival is currently standing in your way.
The Golden Era: The Beginning of an Epic Rivalry
América vs. Toluca games really hit their stride in the ’90s and ’00s. Some of the most exciting, controversial, and iconic moments in the history of the rivalry occurred during this time period.
- América and Toluca played in the 1997 Verano season’s semi-finals. Toluca won the second match 3-1 to progress 4-3 on aggregate after América won the first match 2-1. They ended up being champions.
- The teams met in the semifinals of the 1999 Invierno season. Although América won the first match 3-1, Toluca came back to win the second match 4-1 and ultimately win the series 5-4. That season, they repeated as champions.
- América and Toluca had not met until the final of the 2000 Verano season. Toluca won their third consecutive championship by beating América 2-0 in the second leg after América won the first game 1-0. It was devastating for América fans to see their team lose.
- One of the most contentious Clausura finals ever occurred in 2005. Toluca was leading 2-1 in the second leg when a fan riot forced the game to be called off. América won the first leg 1-0. Toluca was given the championship, much to the chagrin of the América faithful.
These games showcased the drama and emotion that characterised one of Mexico’s strongest rivalries at the time. The rivalry between América and Toluca peaked in the 1990s and 2000s, when the stakes were at an all-time high. The outcomes of their playoff matchups were essential in determining the seasons’ viability during this heyday.
Dramatic Conclusions and Narrow Escapes in More Recent Years
More exciting championships and unforgettable games between América and Toluca occurred in the 2010s.
2012 Final
The 2012 championship game was a nail-biter. Although América won the first match 2-1 at home, the second match against Toluca ended in a tie and forced extra time. Toluca took the lead in the 98th minute, but América equalised in the 113th thanks to a goal from ngel Reyna on the road. América won the series 3-2, taking home their eleventh league championship.
2013’s semi-finals: drama and loss
In the 2013 semi-finals, América faced Toluca once again, but the series was tainted by scandal. After América’s 1-0 victory in the first leg, the second game at Toluca was called off due to crowd violence after 67 minutes. Toluca advanced 2-0 on aggregate after winning the rematch. Toluca’s appeal of América’s argument that the match should have been forfeited was turned down. Both groups of fans were left with a sour taste by the turbulent occurrences.
The 2016 Season’s Finale: Another Nail-Biter That Forced Extra Time
Another nail-biting championship game from 2016 required extra time. The first match ended in a 1-0 victory for América. The match required extra time since the home team scored in the second leg at Toluca. Extra time saw both teams score, resulting in a tie game overall. With a 5-3 victory in a penalty shootout, América won their 12th league title in dramatic manner.
Over the past decade, the finals and matches between América and Toluca have been some of the most exciting in Liga MX history. One of the most heated rivalries in Mexican football is kept alive by their intense feelings for one another. There will undoubtedly be more games played between these teams in the future, including more championship and playoff series.
Head-to-Head: Deportivo Toluca F.C. vs. Club América
Club América and Deportivo Toluca F.C. are almost tied for first place in Mexico’s fiercest football rivalry. These two elite teams have met numerous times over the years, and the score is rather even when it comes to victories and defeats. Let’s see how these age-old rivals stack up against one another.
Comparative Score
With 27 victories against Toluca’s 25 in more than 70 matchups, América has a narrow edge. All the other games were tied. Although América and Toluca have a very even record overall, the former did not suffer their first loss to the latter until 1959. The last few decades have seen increased competition with no clear frontrunner emerging.
Playing Method
- The offensive, ball-control-oriented style that is characteristic of América. They aim to establish control of the tempo of the game and dismantle their opponents through crisp passing and nimble footwork.
- Toluca has a counterattacking, defensive strategy. They’re good at soaking up pressure before exploding on the break with fast counters and set pieces. When Toluca gets a lead, they are very difficult to defeat.
Crucial Roles
In this rivalry, prominent players have included:
- Legendary striker Cuauhtémoc Blanco was a dribbler, dribbler, and free kicker for América. From 1992 through 2007, he competed in the rivalry.
- A striker for América from 1988 through 1992, Ivan Zamorano was a native of Chile. has a club record of almost 100 goals scored.
- Sinha, a Brazilian midfielder who played for Toluca from 2003 to 2011, was a key cog in the team’s engine. His vision, passing, and goal-scoring ability were legendary.
- Paraguayan striker José Saturnino Cardozo has scored more goals for Toluca than any other player in club history. Was active from 1996 till 2007.
Club América and Toluca have been rivals for decades, and their fans are among the most passionate in Mexico. Their nearly even head-to-head record guarantees drama, excitement and the chance to write another chapter in the legendary history of this classic derby whenever these two titans square off.
Notable Moments: Five of the Rivalry’s Most Exciting Games
Toluca’s First-Ever Thrilling Quarterfinal (2005 Apertura)
América and Toluca’s 2005 quarterfinal was a game for the ages. América held a one-goal advantage from the first leg, but Toluca dominated the second leg at home. Toluca scored twice in quick succession to take a 2-1 aggregate lead, but América equalised shortly after. Toluca was given a penalty kick late in the game. Toluca would qualify for the semifinals if their goal was converted. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa for América blocked the penalty kick, forcing overtime. After 120 minutes of play and no goals, penalties were needed to decide the winner. América prevailed in a nail-biting penalty shootout, 5-4, thanks to another stop from Ochoa.
The Miracle of Clásico Joven (2013): Moisés Muoz.
When América and Cruz Azul play in the Clásico Joven, tempers flare. América really needed a victory in the last week of the 2013 Clausura to keep their slim title ambitions alive. Despite their superior play, América was unable to score. After being reduced to ten men in the 90th minute, Cruz Azul scored the game-winning goal. Until the fourth minute of added time, América had little chance of winning. The game was tied when goalkeeper Moisés Muoz scored a remarkable header off a corner kick. Muoz’s goal remains one of the most memorable in Liga MX history, as América went on to win in penalties.
- The comeback at Azteca (Semifinals of the 2004 Apertura).
- Golazo (Clausura, 2008) by Aquivaldo Mosquera.
- 2016 Apertura hat trick by Darwin Quintero.
These instances illustrate the intensity, drama, and thrill of the América vs. Toluca rivalry. With 80 years under its belt, I have no doubt that there will be many more exciting moments to come.
Conclusion
Now you know everything there is to know about the rivalry between these two powerhouses of Liga MX. As you’ve seen, Club América and Toluca have been rivals in Mexico’s top division for decades, and their games consistently rank among the league’s best. While América may have won more championships overall, Toluca has beaten them in several decisive championship games. You’ll be watching with the weight of history on your shoulders the next time these two Mexican football titans face off. The drama, emotion, and rivalry of this legendary clash will undoubtedly endure regardless of the outcome. Club América vs. Toluca will live on long after the names of its former players and managers have been forgotten.
