Rayados vs Toluca : The clash between Rayados de Monterrey and Toluca is shaping up to be one of the most enticing matches of the Liga MX Apertura 2025. The spotlight is firmly on Antonio Turco” Mohamed, the architect behind Monterrey’s memorable Apertura 2019 championship win. Now at the helm of Toluca, Mohamed is set for an emotional reunion against his former team, facing off against the very squad with which he wrote his name into Rayados’ history books.
Mohamed’s Triumph with Rayados in 2019
Antonio Mohamed, a celebrated strategist in Mexican football, led Monterrey to their most recent league title in the Apertura 2019. That championship is still fresh in the memory of Rayados fans, marking a high point in the club’s recent successes. The trophy win was especially significant, ending a years-long drought and solidifying Mohamed’s legacy among Monterrey supporters.
In 2019, Monterrey’s squad was a blend of experience and youthful talent, all united under Mohamed’s guidance. The final saw Monterrey overcoming Club América in a dramatic, hard-fought battle—a night that still echoes in the stands at Estadio BBVA.
Only Two Survivors from the 2019 Champions
Despite Mohamed’s return—albeit as the opposing manager—only a pair of players from the 2019 Monterrey squad remain with the club today: Colombian defender Stefan Medina and homegrown goalkeeper Luis Cárdenas.
Stefan Medina, who has worn Rayados’ colors since the Apertura 2014 (with a brief loan spell at Pachuca), continues to be a cornerstone of Monterrey’s defense. Over the years, Medina has developed into one of Rayados’ most reliable performers, winning not only the Liga MX title with Monterrey but also two CONCACAF Champions League trophies. This season, Medina has featured in seven league games, starting in six, underscoring his importance to the team’s defensive line.
Luis Cárdenas, Monterrey’s academy product, has often been the backup goalkeeper but remains a crucial squad member. Debuting in Liga MX in January 2016, Cárdenas has collected an impressive medal haul: a Liga MX title, two CONCACAF Champions League wins, and a Copa MX trophy. His loyalty and commitment symbolize the club’s values and the legacy of that 2019 championship run.
The Stakes: Monterrey Eyes Top Spot, Toluca Staying Close
Looking towards the league table, Rayados are in sensational form this season, currently holding second place with 22 points. A win over Toluca, combined with a slip-up by Cruz Azul against Querétaro, could propel Rayados back to the summit of Liga MX. Meanwhile, Toluca, led by none other than Antonio Mohamed, sits third with 19 points—eager to close the gap and defend their status as reigning champions.
The Emotional Reunion
The fixture at Estadio Nemesio Díez won’t just be another league game—it’s a poignant reunion. Mohamed’s return as Toluca’s boss brings an extra layer of narrative intrigue, not only for fans but also for Medina and Cárdenas. Both players will be eager to prove their growth since their title-winning season under Mohamed’s mentorship, while Mohamed himself approaches the match with respect—and perhaps nostalgia—for his time at Monterrey.
Liga MX Drama at its Finest
As Rayados and Toluca prepare for this high-stakes matchup, the echoes of the 2019 Apertura final are impossible to ignore. The match is more than just a battle for league points; it’s a meeting of memories, ambitions, and legacies. Will Monterrey reclaim the top spot, or will Mohamed and Toluca reinforce their championship credentials? Football fans across Mexico will be watching closely as history and present collide in Liga MX’s marquee showdown.
