The Liga MX continued its course last weekend, when the second leg of the Liguilla Semifinals 2022 was played, where the two teams that had the best chances of reaching the finals skated and could not overcome their rivals, regardless of being favorites in their respective series, América, and Monterrey.
It is true that both teams were at a disadvantage going into the second match and that their chances of reaching the final were very slim, but what is most strange is the level of play shown by América, which was unable to overcome Toluca, a team that arrived at these semifinal stages reeling.
Monterrey was demoralized after being crushed 2-5 in the first leg, and Pachuca played a very good defensive game last Sunday.
Both Pachuca and Toluca go into this great final with a lot of confidence; they have a lot of credit for playing spectacular matches against the teams that finished 1st/2nd in the standings, in addition to having demonstrated a spectacular level of play throughout the tournament.
Now, the grand final of the 2022 Liga MX Opening Tournament will be this Thursday, October 27, 2022, between Toluca and Pachuca, starting with the first leg at the Nemesio Diez Stadium, while the second leg will be at the Miguel Hidalgo “Huracán” Stadium.
Liga MX: Liguilla Semifinals – Roundup – Toluca vs. América – Info
When: Saturday, October 22 at 09:06 pm ET
Moneyline odds: Toluca +630 / América -259 (Source: MyBookie.ag)
Draw Offs: +420
Where Can I Watch it? Fox Sports / TUDN / ViX.
Toluca was able to take advantage of América’s mistakes from the first leg and in the end, they got the pass to the final of the Apertura 2022, while the Águilas dragged with the curse of the general table’s super leader and just like six months ago, they were once again a step away from the dispute for the championship trophy.
What is true is that América did not stop trying for a single second in both matches, but they were faced with a defensive wall from Toluca who, in both games, played to wait for their rival and take advantage of some of the opportunities left by América.
We were not even 10 minutes into the game and Brian Rodríguez shot twice at Volpi’s goal, both times from the left side, crossing his shot, however, the goalkeeper responded well on both occasions, saving his team’s goal.
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However, América’s dominance came to an end in the 29th minute, when Jorge Torres scored Toluca’s goal, which made the game very difficult for the home team.
América reacted quickly, as, after seven minutes, Luis Fuentes took Mosquera out of the box, crossed, and Alejandro Zendejas headed in to tie the score 1-1.
With this result, América went to the break as they had come into the match, needing to score goals.
The match continued in the same vein, with América trying from all parts of the field to score the goal that would give them the victory and qualify them for the final, but it was not until the 90+1 minute when Henry Martín scored the goal that would give the victory to the local team, but the referee signaled offside after checking the play in the VAR.
With this, América is once again on the verge of a great final, as happened in the last tournament. Toluca, meanwhile, will be looking to become champions of this edition of Liga MX.
Result: Toluca (1) – (1) América
Liga MX: Liguilla Semifinals – Roundup – Monterrey vs Pachuca – Info
When: Sunday, October 23 at 09:06 pm ET
Moneyline odds: Monterrey +115 / Pachuca +242 (Source: MyBookie.ag)
Draw Offs: +242
Where Can I Watch it? Fox Sports / TUDN / ViX.
Pachuca had no problem ratifying what it had done in the first leg of the Liga MX semifinals. After defeating Monterrey 5-2 at home, this Sunday they won 1-0 away and advanced to the final without any problems.
Monterrey had to win by three goals or more to put the Tuzos away and qualify for the final. Coach Víctor Vucetich’s attacking intent was evident in the first few minutes when the home team created many scoring chances.
The Argentine Rogelio Funes Mori was the one who tried the most, and he came close to giving Monterrey the lead, but goalkeeper Óscar Ustari thwarted every one of his chances and kept his goal at 0 goals.
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As the minutes went by, Pachuca grew a little more, thanks to Monterrey’s desperation in every attack. Monterrey had 24 shots, 11 of which were on target, so we can say that the star of the match was goalkeeper Óscar Ustari.
But, as a popular saying goes, “what you don’t do in the opponent’s goal, they do in yours”. Pachuca managed to score the only goal of the match in the 90+5th minute thanks to a penalty shot by Avilés Hurtado.
Thus, Pachuca settled the series and will go in search of a new title in Mexican soccer, first in midweek when they visit Toluca and then in the second leg, next Sunday at home.
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