Toluca Survives Monterrey Fightback in Five-Goal Thriller
Puntos Clave
- Toluca held on for dramatic 3-2 victory despite late Monterrey surge
- Federico Pereira and Paulinho struck before halftime to control early proceedings
- Dual penalty conversions from Helinho and Sergio Ramos defined second half
- Roberto de la Rosa's 75th-minute strike nearly completed stunning Monterrey comeback
Roberto de la Rosa's right-footed strike from six yards out in the 75th minute set up a frantic finale, but Toluca weathered Monterrey's late storm to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory at Estadio Nemesio Díez Riega. The hosts appeared comfortable with a two-goal cushion at halftime, yet found themselves clinging to a narrow advantage during seven nerve-wracking minutes of stoppage time. Hugo González's crucial saves in the dying moments preserved three vital points for the Red Devils.
Federico Pereira opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a clinical right-footed finish from close range, converting Helinho's pinpoint cross following a corner kick. The Uruguayan defender positioned himself perfectly to sweep home the opener and ignite the home crowd. Paulinho doubled Toluca's advantage in the 43rd minute, drilling a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom right corner after excellent build-up play from Nicolás Castro. The Brazilian's composed finish capped a dominant first-half display from the hosts.
The second half exploded into life with dueling penalties that shifted momentum dramatically. Helinho converted from the spot in the 51st minute, sending his left-footed effort into the bottom right corner after Nicolás Castro drew a foul from Ricardo Chávez in the area. Monterrey responded immediately through Sergio Ramos, who buried his penalty into the top left corner in the 58th minute following Marcel Ruíz's foul on Anthony Martial after a lengthy VAR review.
Despite Monterrey edging possession at 50.1%, Toluca created the clearer chances with five shots on target compared to their visitors' four. The tactical battle intensified after the break as Monterrey introduced Anthony Martial and Iker Fimbres, injecting pace and creativity into their attack. González proved instrumental for Toluca, making several key stops including a double save in the 75th minute before de la Rosa pounced on the rebound.
The turning point arrived when de la Rosa's predatory instincts nearly completed an unlikely comeback. After González denied both Germán Berterame and Fimbres in quick succession, the substitute striker reacted fastest to fire home and reduce the deficit to a single goal. The final 15 minutes descended into chaos as Monterrey threw everything forward, with Gerardo Arteaga's long-range effort whistling just wide in the 78th minute.
Toluca is now a finalist and will play Cruz Azul