You’ve been a diehard fan of Club América for as long as you can remember. The thrilling matches, the nail-biting finishes, the joy of victory and agony of defeat – you’ve experienced it all. Their rivalry with Deportivo Toluca is legendary. For over 50 years, these two clubs have battled for supremacy in Liga MX. Whether you’re a new fan looking to learn the history or a lifelong supporter wanting to relive the memories, this complete timeline has you covered. From their first meeting in 1967 to their most recent clash, we chronicle all the key events, controversial calls, star players, and classic moments that have defined this iconic rivalry. Get ready to revisit the biggest matches, the wildest finishes, and all the drama that makes América vs Toluca a fixture of Mexican football.
The Early Years: Club América vs Deportivo Toluca F.C. From the 1920s to 1980s
The rivalry between Club América and Deportivo Toluca goes way back, all the way to the early days of Mexican football.
- In the 1920s, both clubs were founding members of the Liga Mayor along with clubs like Asturias and Germania. Matches between América and Toluca were already heated, with the first official game in 1927 ending in a 2-2 draw.
- By the 1950s, the rivalry intensified as the clubs competed for titles in the now professional Primera División de México. América dominated the decade, winning five titles to Toluca’s one. The matches were fiercely competitive, often called “the classic of classics.”
- In the 1970s, the tide turned in Toluca’s favor. They won four titles in the decade to América’s two. Some of the most memorable games were in 1975 and 1978, with last-minute goals and controversial calls that outraged Águilas fans.
- The 1980s saw a resurgence of América, winning five titles again. Highlights were drubbings of Toluca like the 4-1 victory in 1983 and a come-from-behind 3-2 win in 1985 after being down 0-2.
Over 60-plus years, the passion and drama of América vs Toluca matches have only intensified. No matter the era, Águilas and Diablos Rojos fans always expect an epic 90 minutes when these two giants of Mexican football meet. The history may favor América, but as any true fan knows, past glories mean nothing when your bitter rival is the opponent.
The Golden Age: An Epic Rivalry Unfolds in the 1990s and 2000s
The 1990s and 2000s were the golden age of América vs Toluca matches. This era produced some of the most thrilling, controversial, and unforgettable moments in the rivalry’s history.
- In the 1997 Verano season, América and Toluca met in the semifinals. América won the first leg 2-1, but Toluca took the second leg 3-1 to advance 4-3 on aggregate. They would go on to win the title.
- The 1999 Invierno season saw the clubs face off in the quarterfinals. América won the first leg 3-1, but Toluca once again came back to take the second leg, this time by a score of 4-1 to advance 5-4. They won the title again that season.
- In the 2000 Verano season, América and Toluca finally met in the final. América won the first leg 1-0, but Toluca took the second leg 2-0 to win their third straight title over América. The defeats were utterly heartbreaking for América fans.
- The 2005 Clausura final was one of the most controversial. América won the first leg 1-0, but the second leg was abandoned after a fan riot, with Toluca up 2-1. The title was awarded to Toluca, outraging América supporters.
The drama and passion of these encounters defined an era of one of the fiercest rivalries in Mexican football. For América and Toluca, the 1990s and 2000s were a time when their antagonism was at its peak and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The results of their postseason clashes made and broke seasons during this golden period.
Recent Years: 2010s and Onward – Dramatic Finals and Close Encounters
The 2010s brought more thrilling finals and memorable matches between América and Toluca.
2012 Final
The 2012 final was a dramatic back-and-forth affair. América won the first leg 2-1 at home, but Toluca equalized in the return leg, sending the final to extra time. Toluca scored in the 98th minute to take the lead, but Ángel Reyna scored a crucial away goal for América in the 113th minute. América emerged 3-2 winners on aggregate for their 11th league title.
2013 Semifinal – Controversy and Heartbreak
América met Toluca again in the semifinals of 2013, but the series was marred by controversy. América won the first leg 1-0, but the return leg in Toluca was abandoned after 67 minutes when fans began rioting. The match was replayed, and Toluca won 2-0 to advance on aggregate. América filed an appeal, claiming Toluca should have forfeited the match, but it was rejected. The chaotic events left a bitter taste for both sets of fans.
2016 Final – A Thriller Goes to Extra Time Again
The 2016 final was another thriller that went to extra time. América won the first leg 1-0 at home. In the return leg in Toluca, the hosts equalized in regulation to send the tie to extra time. Both teams scored in extra time, leaving the aggregate score 2-2. América ultimately triumphed 5-3 in a penalty shootout to claim their 12th league championship in dramatic fashion once again.
The rivalry between América and Toluca has produced some of the most dramatic finals and encounters in Liga MX history, especially over the last decade. Their passion and competitiveness continue to fuel one of the fiercest rivalries in Mexican football. With future finals and playoff series still to come, there are surely more chapters left to be written in this storied rivalry.
Head-to-Head: How Club América and Deportivo Toluca F.C. Match Up
When it comes to the biggest rivalry in Mexican football, Club América and Deportivo Toluca F.C. are neck and neck. Over the years, these two powerhouse clubs have faced off many times, with a near even split in wins and losses. Let’s take a look at how these long-time adversaries match up:
Head-to-Head Record
In over 70 meetings, América holds a slight advantage with 27 wins to Toluca’s 25. The remaining matches ended in draws. While the overall record is close, América dominated the early years of the rivalry, not dropping a match to Toluca until 1959. In recent decades, the competition has been even fiercer with no clear leader.
Style of Play
- América is known for an attacking style with a focus on possession and ball control. They look to dictate the pace of the game and break down opponents with precise passing and movement.
- Toluca employs a more defensive counterattacking style. They absorb pressure and look to hit opponents on the break with quick counters and set pieces. When they get ahead, Toluca is hard to break down.
Key Players
Some notable players that have featured in this rivalry include:
- Cuauhtémoc Blanco – América legend known for his flair, dribbling and free kicks. Played in the rivalry from 1992 to 2007.
- Ivan Zamorano – Chilean striker who played for América from 1988 to 1992. Scored over 100 goals for the club.
- Sinha – Brazilian midfielder who was the heart of Toluca’s midfield from 2003 to 2011. Known for his vision, passing and goalscoring.
- José Saturnino Cardozo – Paraguayan striker who is Toluca’s all-time leading goalscorer. Played from 1996 to 2007.
With decades of history and some of the most passionate fans in Mexico, the rivalry between Club América and Toluca is sure to continue for years to come. Their closely matched head-to-head record means that any time these two giants meet, there is sure to be drama, excitement and the opportunity to etch another chapter into the storied history of this iconic derby.
Memorable Moments: 5 of the Most Thrilling Games in the Rivalry
1. The Thriller in Toluca (2005 Apertura Quarterfinals)
The 2005 quarterfinal between América and Toluca was an instant classic. América came into the game with a 1-0 aggregate lead after the first leg, but Toluca dominated at home in the second leg. Toluca scored two quick goals to take a 2-1 lead on aggregate, but América responded with a goal of their own to tie it up. Late in the game, Toluca was awarded a penalty kick. If converted, Toluca would advance to the semifinals. However, América’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa saved the penalty kick, sending the game to extra time. Neither team scored in extra time, so the game went to penalties. Ochoa made another save in the shootout, and América ended up winning 5-4 on penalties in a thriller.
2. Moisés Muñoz and the Clásico Joven Miracle (2013 Clausura)
The Clásico Joven between América and Cruz Azul is always a heated affair. In the 2013 Clausura, América needed a win to keep their title hopes alive heading into the final week. América dominated the game but couldn’t find a goal. In the 90th minute, down a man due to a red card, Cruz Azul scored to take a 1-0 lead. All hope seemed lost for América until the 4th minute of stoppage time. Goalkeeper Moisés Muñoz came up for a corner kick and scored a miraculous header to tie the game. América ended up winning in penalties, and Muñoz’s goal lives on as one of the most dramatic moments in Liga MX history.
- The comeback at the Azteca (2004 Apertura Semifinals)
- Aquivaldo Mosquera’s Golazo (2008 Clausura)
- Darwin Quintero’s hat trick (2016 Apertura)
These moments highlight the passion, drama, and excitement that is the América vs Toluca rivalry. With over 80 years of history, there are sure to be many more thrilling chapters to come.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the complete history between two of Liga MX’s biggest rivals. As you’ve seen, Club América and Toluca have competed at the highest levels of Mexican football for decades, and their clashes have produced some of the most memorable matches. Though América may have the edge in titles, Toluca has had their number in some key finals and there’s no love lost between the fanbases. The next time these two giants of Mexican football meet, you’ll be watching with the weight of history behind it. But no matter the result, you know that the drama, passion, and rivalry will continue for years to come in this classic matchup. The legends of past players and coaches may fade, but Club América vs Toluca is forever.
