Toluca proved that a soccer game can completely turn around in a matter of minutes. The Red Devils visited Querétaro on Matchday 5 of the 2026 Apertura, and despite being down a player since the first half, they ended up securing a 2-1 victory at La Corregidora Stadium.
The Gallos Blancos had a golden opportunity to capitalize on their numerical advantage, but they squandered several chances and ended up paying dearly for their mistakes.
Querétaro Failed to Capitalize on Its Advantage
The match seemed to be going the home team’s way starting in the 30th minute, when Diego Barbosa was sent off and Toluca was reduced to 10 players.
Querétaro had practically everything it needed to take control of the match, but failed to turn that advantage into goals.
One of the clearest chances came just before halftime. The Gallos were awarded a penalty kick, and Alí Ávila stepped up to put his team ahead.
However, the forward failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
His shot went wide, and Querétaro headed into the locker room feeling like they had let a golden opportunity slip away.
Helinho puts Toluca ahead
If anyone thought Toluca would simply sit back and defend in the second half, the Diablos had other plans.
Although they were down to 10 men, the visiting team began to create danger and were rewarded in the 65th minute.
It was a true gem.
Helinho took the free kick and fired a perfect shot that found the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Querétaro was forced to react and finally found the equalizer.
Homenchenko Restores Hope
In the 78th minute, the Gallos managed to tie the score thanks to Santiago Homenchenko.
The player popped up inside the box and connected with a solid header that left the Scarlet goalkeeper with no chance.
The 1-1 score seemed to breathe new life into Querétaro, which still had time to seek the winning goal.
But the final moments of the match turned out completely differently.
Viñas Seals the Deal from the Penalty Spot
As the match neared its end, a poor decision by the Querétaro defense led to a foul on Federico Viñas inside the box.
The referee pointed to the penalty spot, and the Uruguayan forward stepped up to take the kick himself.
This time, there were no mistakes.
Viñas converted the penalty with precision to make it 2-1, putting Toluca back in the lead and leaving Querétaro with very little time to respond.
The home team tried to find the equalizer in the final minutes, but they couldn’t find a way past the visiting defense.
Toluca takes home three golden points
The result has a special significance for the Diablos Rojos. They played with 10 men for over an hour, missed a penalty, and still managed to leave La Corregidora with all three points.
Querétaro, for its part, will have to regret the missed opportunities, especially the penalty kick missed by Alí Ávila when the match was still within their grasp.
In Matchday 6 of the 2026 Apertura, the Gallos Blancos will visit Atlas, while Toluca will return home to host the Bravos de Juárez.
For now, the Diablos are celebrating a victory that proves that, in soccer, being down a man doesn’t always mean defeat.
