Toluca pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat LA Galaxy 3-2 and claim the 2025 Campeones Cup at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
**Match Context & Stakes**
This was the seventh edition of the Campeones Cup, featuring the MLS Cup champion, LA Galaxy, against the Campeón de Campeones winner from Mexico, Toluca. The match held additional significance, as both MLS and Liga MX were tied with three Campeones Cup titles each before this game. Toluca earned its spot by defeating Club América 3–1 in the Campeón de Campeones earlier in July 2025. earlier in July 2025.
A penalty that Diego Fagúndez converted
The hosts went ahead in the 36th minute when Gabriel Pec was brought down in the box, earning a penalty that Diego Fagúndez converted to make it 1–0.
Lineups & Key Players
For LA Galaxy, the starting XI included Novak Micovic in goal; defenders like Carlos Garcés, Maya Yoshida, and Julian Aude; midfielders including Edwin Cerrillo and Diego Fagundez; and attack led by Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec. Toluca lined up with Luis García as keeper; a backline featuring Diego Barbosa, Bruno Méndez; midfielders like Franco Romero, Nicolás Castro; and forwards Alexis Vega and Marcel Ruiz, among others.
Toluca responded in the second half through Nicolás Castro’s equalizer in the 53rd minute, but Galaxy regained the lead in the 83rd. Just when the home side looked set for victory, Franco Romero tied the match in the 88th minute, and deep into stoppage time Federico Pereira delivered the winner, sealing Toluca’s triumph. The result crowned Toluca as Campeones Cup champions in stunning fashion, overturning Galaxy’s lead with two decisive goals in the final minutes.
Statistics & Match Facts
Possession favored Toluca, around 60 %, while LA Galaxy held about 40 %.
Shot attempts: Galaxy attempted ~9, while Toluca made ~18.
Shots on goal: Galaxy had 4, Toluca had 7.
Corners heavily favored Toluca (11 to Galaxy’s 1).
The referee for the match was Iván Barton from El Salvador.
The weather was clear with a temperature of about 68 °F (≈20 °C).
This match becomes a landmark in the MLS vs. Liga MX rivalry: the first time Liga MX pushes ahead in total Campeones Cup wins (4 vs. 3)
Editor: Angel Almada
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