The semi-finals are over and we now know who will be playing in the final of Liga MX Femenil. Club América and Monterrey will face off again in a final for the chance to make history with their teams.
Club América 4 – 3 Toluca (11 – 4 aggregate)
This was going to be a big series, or at least it was supposed to be between Toluca and Club América. Toluca battled it out in the quarter-finals against Tigres as they defeated the current champions to qualify for their first ever semi-finals. Then came the first leg and it all went downhill fast. In the seventh minute the Aguilas were given a penalty and this was the third penalty in three games for defender Karla Martinez who gave away a total of three penalties in three games (make that four penalties in four games as she committed another penalty in the second leg). The penalty ended in the back of the net and just a few minutes later the second goal was scored. Then it looked like things were going to look up after Abby Erceg got a goal back but sadly that was not enough. Toluca went down 1 – 4 at halftime and the goals didn’t stop in the second half. The Aguilas scored three more goals and by the time the game was called after 90 minutes the series was all but won even though there was still one more game to be played.
Just a few minutes into the second leg of the semi-finals, it looked like it was going to be a blood bath yet again after the Aguilas opened the score in the fifth minute. Minutes later Toluca responded with a goal by Faustine Robert. The French player then went on to score Toluca’s three goals of the match. Even with a hat-trick that was not enough to win the match as the Aguilas scored four goals. Sadly for Toluca all their defensive mistakes in the first leg cost them a spot in the finals. Now the front office has to get to work immediately seeing as head coach Patrice Lair had announced he would be leaving the team, an announcement that shockingly came after the quarter-finals. To make matters worse, Lair said in the postmatch press conference that he’s done with women’s football and if he were to ever return to coach in Mexico it would be to coach a men’s team instead. Hopefully Toluca’s front office can keep the team going because even though their semi-final appearance was a disaster, Toluca has what it takes to lift the trophy in Mexico.
Rayadas 4 – 1 Pachuca (4 – 3 aggregate)
Just like the other semi-final match, Monterrey versus Pachuca was supposed to be a close game but it wasn’t. At least not in the first leg. Pachuca hosted the first leg and they took advantage of it. The home side took the lead in the 11th minute thanks to a goal by Aline Gomes. The second goal came in the second half as Charlyn Corral sent the ball into the back of the net to double the lead. Monterrey just did not look like themselves. They struggled to make connections throughout the game and when they made their way up top they weren’t able to put away their chances. Luckily for them, the Rayadas were only down by two scores and all they needed to advance to the final was a draw as they ended the regular season in a higher spot than Pachuca
The beginning of the second leg was not the best start for Monterrey as it looked like Pachuca were going to cruise into the finals after an early goal by Nati Mauleón. Before the half the home side was given a lifeline after the Tuzas scored an own-goal to level the match. This seemed to wake up Monterrey who scored their second goal of the match minutes into the second half. It didn’t take long for the comeback to happen as the Rayadas were able to score two more goals to take the lead. It only took 10 minutes for that to happen. Pachuca had one foot in the door of the final as all they had to do was maintain their result. Unfortunately it was not meant to be and that is why a 2-0 scoreline is the most dangerous scoreline in the sport. Pachuca got comfortable and that was their downfall. Monterrey knew they were going to make a comeback and they did just that.
Club América and Monterrey will face off in the Liga MX Femenil final on Thursday May 14 and Sunday May 17. The time for the second leg on Sunday has caused controversy considering the game will be played at 12:00 PM Mexico City time. A men’s Liga MX final would never be played at that time so why shouldn’t the women’s league be given the same respect?
Tune in Thursday and Sunday to see who will be crowned Campeonas of Clausura 2026!
