Club América and Toluca are set to compete for the Champion of Champions title at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match pits the 2024 Apertura champions, América, against the 2025 champions, Toluca, in a highly anticipated showdown.
The contest carries recent history, as Toluca secured a 2-0 victory over América in a previous encounter with goals from Luan García and Alexis Vega. Addressing that defeat, América’s coach, Andre Jardine, emphasized the need to move forward. “The final against Toluca is fresh in our memories. It was a loss that hurts us,” Jardine stated. “We have to turn the page. We have new players with renewed dreams to begin a new journey. Tomorrow it starts, and hopefully, we’ll be champions.”
Adding a compelling subplot, Isaías Violante, who won a championship with Toluca last season, will now start for América against his former team.
Key players for América include Bryan Rodríguez, who scored twice in his last match, and Alejandro Zendejas, noted for his exceptional vision on the field. The midfield will be anchored by the skilled Álvaro Fidalgo, while goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón makes his return to the lineup.
Toluca boasts several in-form players. Midfielder Marcel Ruiz, who has attracted interest from the English Championship, has been a standout performer. Forward Alexis Vega is known for delivering strong performances against América, while the attacking duo of Robert Morales and Helinho recently scored two goals each. The defense is bolstered by the return of Jesús Gallardo.
Confirmed Starting Lineups:
Club América: Luis Ángel Malagón, Israel Reyes, Álvaro Fidalgo, Sebastián Cásares, Cristian Borja, Igor Lichnovsky, Alejandro Zendejas, Isaías Violante, Erick Sánchez, Bryan Rodríguez, and Rodrigo Aguirre.
Substitutes: Cota, Kevin Álvarez, Ralph Orquin, Ramón Juárez, Dos Santos, Alan Cervantes, Guti, Henry, Davila, and Pantera Zuñiga.
Toluca: Luis García, Diego Barbosa, Bruno Mendez, Andres Pereira, Luan García, Jesús Gallardo, Franco Romero, Marcel Ruiz, Paulinho, Alexis Vega, and Jesús Angulo.
Substitutes: Hugo González, Pollo Briseño, Mauricio Isaias, López, Juanpi Dóminguez, Castro, Héctor Herra, Helinho, Oswaldo Virgen, and Robert Morales.
