World Cup Players Vega and Gallardo Lead Toluca to Victory Over Chivas

Toluca secured a 0-2 victory against Chivas de Guadalajara in the Mexican Apertura 2026 tournament, thanks to goals from World Cup participants Alexis Vega and Jesús Gallardo. The win, achieved on the opening day of the championship, highlighted Toluca's superiority under coach Antonio Mohamed.

Toluca controlled possession for much of the first half, creating several dangerous opportunities. While Chivas also had chances, including shots from Ángel Sepúlveda and Kevin Castañeda, Toluca took the lead in the 42nd minute when Vega calmly converted a penalty. The advantage was solidified in the second half after Chivas' Sepúlveda was sent off for violent conduct in the 50th minute.

Gallardo extended Toluca's lead in the 75th minute with a precise left-footed finish from a counter-attack, assisted by Brazilian player Helinho. The match also saw other results in the opening jornada, including Pachuca's 0-3 win over Pumas UNAM, Necaxa's 2-1 victory against Atlante, and Tijuana's 3-1 defeat of Tigres UANL. Additionally, Cruz Azul, San Luis, Atlas, León, Puebla, and Juárez FC were involved in other matches.