Home / Sports / Old Rivals América & Toluca Reignite Historic Liguilla Rivalry
Old Rivals América & Toluca Reignite Historic Liguilla Rivalry
1 Nov
Summary
- América and Toluca will meet on October 31, 2026, in Apertura 2026.
- They contested the first-ever Mexican soccer Liguilla final in 1970-71.
- América won that historic final 2-0 on aggregate at Estadio Azteca.
The Apertura 2026 tournament will see América and Toluca face off on October 31, 2026, reigniting a rivalry steeped in history. Their meeting on this Matchday 15 fixture recalls the very first Mexican soccer Liguilla final, contested during the 1970-71 season. América, who topped the regular season, played against second-place Toluca in this groundbreaking playoff format.
The historic first leg of that final occurred on July 25, 1971, at Estadio Nemesio Diez, ending in a goalless draw. The decisive return leg took place on August 1, 1971, at Estadio Azteca before an estimated 110,000 fans. América capitalized on their home advantage, winning 2-0 to clinch their second league championship and become the inaugural Liguilla champions.
Horacio López Salgado and Carlos Reinoso scored the historic goals for América, while Ignacio "Nacho" Trelles coached the Toluca side. More than five decades later, the two clubs will meet again in the Apertura 2026 regular season, with both aiming to secure crucial points as the season nears its end.
