Pumas' new signings Víctor Arteaga and Sebastián Córdova made their debuts in style by scoring against Toluca at Nemesio Diez, leading their team to a 2-1 victory. Arteaga, who joined from the escarlata side, opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from the right wing, while Córdova -also a former Toluca player - sealed the win with a header from a corner. Both found the net in their first official match for Pumas, proving their immediate impact under Antonio Mohamed.
Pumas started the Liga MX 2026 campaign strongly: after a 2-0 win over León in the opening matchday, they now sit in 4th place with 3 points, just 3 points behind league leaders Cruz Azul. Their next test comes on August 6 at home against Seattle Sounders, a game that will measure the team’s progress with these new additions.
How did Arteaga and Córdova score?
Arteaga, 22, arrived at Pumas from Toluca and quickly proved his worth. The midfielder struck with a curling left-footed shot that beat Toluca goalkeeper Hugo González, following a well-worked team move. The player showed respect for his former club by celebrating modestly and apologizing on social media - a gesture that resonated with the Pumas faithful.
Córdova, another ex-Toluca player, completed the scoring with a header from a corner. The attacker, criticized during his time at Toluca for lack of impact, found his footing at Pumas. Mohamed, the felinos’ coach, already gave him key minutes in the first two games, and the goal against the direct rival confirmed his value up front.
Key goals for both players
For Arteaga, the strike at Nemesio Diez against his former team carried special meaning. The midfielder, who had impressed in pre-season, proved his signing was no mistake and could be a key piece in Pumas’ rebuild under Esteban Solari. His goal came at a crucial moment when the team needed a lift after a tough start.
Córdova, meanwhile, shook off the pressure of criticism received during his time at Toluca. Mohamed failed to unlock his best form at the escarlata side, but at Pumas the forward is already showing flashes of his best self. The goal against Toluca not only validates his move but sends a clear message to the fans: he’s ready to be decisive.
What this win means for Pumas and Toluca
Pumas’ win over Toluca not only cements the idea that their new signings are here to stay, but sets a tone in Liga MX 2026. The felinos, off to a strong start with 2 goals scored and 0 conceded (+2 goal difference), are positioning themselves as serious title contenders in the Clausura.
For Toluca, the match raised questions about their opening-day performance. The escarlata side, who also sit on 3 points after beating Pachuca, will need to review their defensive and build-up play. Their next challenge comes against Monterrey in Matchday 2, a game that will define their tournament trajectory.
With these results, Liga MX 2026 already has a key rivalry defined: Pumas and Toluca are shaping up as direct competitors in the title race. While the felinos celebrate the debut goals of their new signings, the Diablos must work to avoid falling behind in the title hunt.
