Toluca endured a painful collapse, losing 3-2 at home to Santos Laguna after throwing away a two-goal lead. The Red Devils, who sit top of Liga MX with 19 points, saw their commanding advantage evaporate in the final minutes of this Apertura 2026 Matchday 9 fixture.
The first half was all Toluca. Federico Viñas, the team's top scorer this season with four goals, opened the scoring in the 25th minute from an Alexis Vega corner. Just before the break, Paulinho doubled the lead with a clever backheel finish inside the box, again assisted by Vega. However, in first-half stoppage time, Ezequiel Bullaude pulled one back for the visitors after a VAR review.
Everardo López's red card right after halftime complicated matters for Toluca. Even with ten men, the home side had chances to kill the game, including a Paulinho effort that struck the post. But Santos Laguna, using their numerical advantage, pressed until the end. Kevin Palacios equalised with a powerful strike from outside the box in the 86th minute, and Fran Villalba completed the stunning comeback in the 95th minute.
This defeat halts a run of four consecutive league wins. Despite the loss, Toluca remains in first place in the standings, now just one point clear of Guadalajara. The team must regroup quickly for their next challenge, an away trip to fourth-placed Cruz Azul on September 26th.
Manager Renato Paiva and his staff now face the task of analysing this late defensive breakdown. With 20 goals scored and nine conceded this campaign, solidity had been a hallmark. The match against Cruz Azul, who beat Toluca in their last meeting, presents an immediate test of character.
Read the full report at Record MX
