Toluca let a seemingly certain victory slip through their fingers in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Cruz Azul in Matchday 10 of the Apertura 2026. Antonio Mohamed's side came back from two goals down to take the lead, but a stoppage-time equaliser from the visitors sealed a share of the spoils in a thrilling contest.
The match at the Estadio Banorte started with an early goal from Nicolás Ibáñez for Cruz Azul. The striker found space inside the area to open the scoring after an assist from José Paradela. Gabriel Fernández extended the lead before half-time, finishing a pass from Ibáñez. Toluca, the league leaders with 19 points after nine games, emerged transformed after the break.
Toluca's Fightback
Helinho pulled one back from the penalty spot after a foul by Willer Ditta was awarded following a VAR review. Just a minute later, Alexis Vega capitalised on an assist from the penalty-taker to level the scores. The red pressure was relentless and Vega struck again in the 78th minute to complete his brace and put Toluca 3-2 ahead. Cruz Azul had a goal from Luka Romero ruled out for offside, but they refused to give up.
In the 95th minute of play, Gabriel Fernández found space in the box once more and, in the 90+5th minute, connected with a header to make it 3-3 and become Cruz Azul's hero with his double. Referee Katia Itzel García oversaw a match full of controversy, including a late incident in the Toluca box that went unreviewed. The result keeps Toluca at the summit of the table, though their lead is now just one point.
Mohamed's team, who have scored 20 goals this season, demonstrated their attacking power but also showed defensive frailty by conceding three. Their next assignment is a tricky away trip to face Tigres UANL on October 10th, a side currently sitting in 16th place. In preparation for that clash, the coaching staff will assess the available squad and any injuries. The draw leaves a bittersweet taste for a Toluca side that remains top, but missed a chance to extend their advantage at the summit.
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Toluca manager Antonio Mohamed received a yellow card for dissent in the 45+2nd minute of the 3-3 draw with Cruz Azul, according to the official match data. The referee for the match was Katia Itzel García. The league leader, which has scored 20 goals this season, maintains a one-point lead at the top.
The controversy from the draw continues. According to Carlos Ponce de León, members of Cruz Azul reportedly pointed out that Toluca's manager, Antonio Mohamed, approached the match officials at halftime to complain. In the blue dressing room, they believe this "could have influenced the development of the match," although the club did not file a formal complaint. The league leader, with 20 goals scored, maintains a one-point advantage.
