FC Juárez injury update : Toluca delivered a remarkable comeback at the border city of Ciudad Juárez, defeating FC Juárez 2-1 in the first leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 quarterfinals and moving closer to securing a semifinal spot. Despite conceding an early goal, the reigning champions showcased their championship mettle by rallying to claim a vital road victory thanks to goals from Federico Pereira and Paulinho.
Early Setback and Juárez’s Surprising Start
FC Juárez burst out of the gate with an early goal by Jesús Murillo in the 3rd minute, catching Toluca off guard. The home side’s spirited kickoff electrified the stadium, setting the tone for a high-stakes clash. For a moment, it seemed Juárez might put the champions on the back foot, but Toluca’s resilience was quickly apparent as they weathered the early storm.
Toluca’s Response and Key Players Shine
After absorbing the initial pressure, Toluca began to assert their dominance. Defender Federico Pereira was critical in stabilizing the back line, making vital defensive plays, including clearing a dangerous ball in the box early in the match. Pereira’s defensive discipline and timely contributions were vital in preventing further damage during Juárez’s best attacking phases.
The game shifted in Toluca’s favor following Antonio Briseño’s equalizer in the 56th minute, which reignited their offensive momentum. The defining moment came when Paulinho, the league’s three-time top scorer, delivered the go-ahead goal in the 65th minute, sealing the road win for the champions and showcasing his clutch ability in crucial moments.
Heroic Effort by Sebastián Jurado
Despite the loss, FC Juárez’s goalkeeper Sebastián Jurado stood out as a formidable obstacle for Toluca’s forwards. Jurado made multiple key saves throughout the match, preventing Toluca from extending their lead and keeping Juárez within striking distance. His performance was a reminder of the close margin in play and kept fans hopeful for the return leg.
Injuries and Tactical Adjustments
Juárez faced difficulties with the injury of José García, who had to be replaced early in the game due to a leg injury sustained during a sprint. His replacement, Diego Ochoa, had the challenging task of filling critical defensive duties during intense moments.
On the offensive front, the tactical substitution of Helinho proved instrumental for Toluca’s fightback. His entry energized the attack around the 52nd minute, troubling the Juárez defense and contributing to the shift in momentum that resulted in the comeback victory.
Lineups and Match Overview
FC Juárez Starting XI: Sebastián Jurado, Alejandro Mayorga, Jesús Murillo, José García, Denzell García, Guilherme Castilho, José Rodríguez, Rodolfo Pizarro, Homer Martínez, Ricardo Oliveira, Óscar Estupiñán.
Toluca Starting XI: Hugo González, Diego Barbosa, Antonio Briseño, Federico Pereira, Jesús Gallardo, Nicolás Castro, Franco Romero, Jesús Angulo, Marcel Ruiz, Paulinho, Robert Morales.
What’s Next: The Return Leg at Nemesio Díez Stadium
The second leg of the quarterfinal will take place on November 29 at Toluca’s home ground, Estadio Nemesio Díez, at 19:05 local time. Toluca holds a favorable position but must maintain their intensity and tactical discipline to secure a place in the semifinals. Juárez, meanwhile, will look to leverage home support and their defensive solidity to overturn the deficit.
