The champion Toluca of Argentine coach Antonio Mohamed defeated Necaxa of strategist Fernando Gago 3-1 this Saturday, to start the defense of their title in the Apertura tournament of Mexican football in the best way.

Marcel Ruiz, Jesus Angulo and the Brazilian Helinho scored Toluca turned the score around after Necaxa took the lead with a goal from Pavel Perez.

Los Diablos harassed their rival from the first minute, but lacked forcefulness and it was Necaxa who went ahead with a right-footed shot from Perez, after a pass from Argentine Agustin Palavecino.

Patient, Toluca maintained possession of the ball, dominated in the midfield and quickly turned the score around with a header from Ruiz in the 27th, with a pass from Alexis Vega; and a left-footed goal from Angulo, with an assist from Ruiz.

Toluca continued to dominate; However, they missed opportunities to extend their lead and it was the home team that made adjustments, recovered possession and began to dominate.

In the 61st minute, Colombian Johan Rojas crashed the ball into the crossbar and let Necaxa tie the game, who kept up the pressure, but were lacking aim in the air.

Mohamed sent Helinho onto the field in the 88th minute and four minutes later the Brazilian made it 3-1 with a right-footed cross.

In another Saturday match, Santos Laguna, coached by Spanish coach Francisco Rodriguez, thrashed Pumas UNAM 3-0.

Aldo Lopez scored with a left-footed shot from outside the area in the 14th minute; Argentine Ramiro Sordo converted with his left foot in the 54th minute, and Colombian Cristian Dajome converted with his right foot in the 89th minute to give Santos the win.

The Apertura kicked off last night when Atlas defeated Puebla 2-3; Tijuana took a 1-0 lead over Queretaro; and Juarez FC tied 1-1 with America.