The defending champion started the tournament just as it ended the previous one: with a win. Toluca defeated Chivas 2-0 at Akron Stadium during Matchday 1 of the 2026 Apertura, in a game where the experience and decisiveness of the Diablos Rojos made the difference against a Guadalajara team that showed promise at times but once again fell short on offense.
The match also marked Gabriel Milito’s debut as the Rojiblancos’ head coach in Liga MX. However, the Argentine coach was unable to get off on the right foot, as he faced a Toluca side that demonstrated why it is considered one of the top contenders for the title.
Alexis Vega punished his former team
During the first half, Chivas tried to control possession and create danger in front of their home crowd, but Toluca knew how to wait for the right moment to strike.
It was in the 42nd minute that Alexis Vega stepped up; returning to Akron Stadium as an opponent, he capitalized on an opportunity inside the box to beat the Chivas goalkeeper and put the Scarlets ahead before halftime. The goal silenced the Guadalajara fans and changed the course of the match.
Gallardo sealed the victory
In the second half, Guadalajara pushed forward in search of the equalizer, but left spaces that Toluca knew how to exploit.
In the 74th minute, Jesús Gallardo stepped up to extend the lead with a finish that ultimately sealed the victory. With the score at 2-0, Antonio Mohamed’s team controlled the closing stages of the match and managed their lead without major complications.
Chivas showed intent but struggled again on offense
Guadalajara produced some interesting moments in their build-up play, especially during the opening minutes, though they once again lacked decisiveness in front of the opponent’s goal.
Gabriel Milito’s team created scoring opportunities but failed to convert them into goals, while Toluca was far more effective whenever it found space on the attack.
The loss marks a difficult start for the new Rojiblancos project, which must now make quick adjustments to avoid losing ground early in the season.
Toluca confirms it remains a title contender
Beyond the result, the Diablos Rojos left a positive impression in their debut.
The defending champions displayed defensive discipline, balance in midfield, and an offense capable of delivering in crucial moments. Additionally, World Cup veterans like Alexis Vega and Jesús Gallardo made a difference with their quality and experience.
With this victory, Toluca earns its first three points of the 2026 Apertura and sends a message to the rest of Liga MX: the champion has maintained the level of play that led to its title and will seek to defend its crown starting from the very first matchday. Meanwhile, Chivas will have to quickly turn the page and work on improving their finishing if they want to be a contender in the new tournament.
