The champion doesn't worry, despite the disadvantage in the Liga MX semifinals
Antonio Mohamed acknowledged being calm despite the first-leg defeat. Toluca will have to seek a comeback at Rayados' home ground
Toluca's Diablos Rojos fell in the first leg of the Apertura 2025 semifinals. The current Liga MX champion lost 1-0 at BBVA Stadium. Rayados de Monterrey took the lead in the series. But Antonio Mohamed remained calm despite the situation. The match was quite even. In fact, the team managed by "El Turco" had more scoring opportunities. Rayados de Monterrey managed the lead that German Berterame gave them in the 39th minute very well. The veteran Argentine coach acknowledged that there was a bit of luck involved in his club not securing at least a draw at Estadio BBVA. Despite being behind in the series, Mohamed is confident in his players' abilities. "I'm not calm because nobody likes to lose. We have a disadvantage, but knowing that it depends on us. Today the team played very well in the second half, but well, this is football and sometimes the ball just doesn't go in. So we have to keep pushing, trust in our strengths, and win at home," the coach said after the match. Toluca's Red Devils will now have to overcome this deficit. Scoring goals is no obstacle for Antonio Mohamed's team. Toluca was the club that scored the most goals in the regular season (43). Monterrey was a shaky team defensively. The Monterrey side conceded 29 goals in 17 matches. "So, the feeling we have, the feeling we're leaving with, is very good, knowing that we have to play at home and well, what's left for us is to win," added Antonio Mohamed. A comeback is in sight. This isn't the first time the Toluca Red Devils have found themselves in this situation. Last season, the tournament in which they were champions, the Red-and-Whites lost the first leg of the quarterfinals 3-0 against Monterrey. However, in the second leg, Toluca defeated the Monterrey side 2-1 and advanced to the next round.This Saturday, December 6th, the fate of these two teams will be decided. Toluca's Red Devils will host Monterrey's Rayados at the Nemesio Diez Stadium. Antonio Mohamed's team has only lost eleven at home this season, against Tigres UANL in July (3-4).

