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With a win over Necaxa, Toluca celebrates its ticket to the women's playoffs.

With a win over Necaxa, Toluca celebrates its ticket to the women's playoffs.

With a win over Necaxa, Toluca celebrates its ticket to the women's playoffs.

From the editorial staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, October 18, 2025, p. a11

With the label of European Champions League winner, Frenchman Patrice Lair has lived up to expectations by smoothly leading Toluca to the playoffs in his first season in the Liga MX Femenil. The Scarlets took advantage of Necaxa's shortcomings, currently in last place, to defeat them 2-0 and secure their place in the quarterfinals on the penultimate matchday of the 2025 Apertura tournament, a stage they hadn't reached in a year.

Of the seven times Toluca has advanced to the playoffs in the women's tournament, this is the first time they've done so, with a surprising run, after reaching 30 points, which currently places them in fourth place overall with a streak of four consecutive matches without losing.

Lair's arrival was promising, boasting two Women's Champions League titles and a French League title with Olympique Lyonnais, which she managed from 2010 to 2014. Her signing was seen as a message from the Diablos board: after winning the Liga MX title, they were now seeking the championship in the women's competition.

French Legion

They also signed former French national team captain Amandine Henry and top scorer Eugenie Le Sommer, who has scored 11 goals.

Now, on the field of the Estadio Victoria, the Mexicans took just 10 minutes to take the lead when Naomi Muñoz connected with a header to shake the nets. The Toluca team sealed the victory shortly before halftime when New Zealander Abby Erceg (36) also reached the goal with another header.

In Querétaro, Cruz Azul thrashed Gallos 4-1 and moved one step away from the playoffs. The Celestes, who are aiming to return to the quarterfinals after three years, reached 27 points and will decide their place in a match against Ciudad Juárez and León, who both have 24 points and are still aspiring to qualify.

Ana Martínez (15), Aerial Chavarin (25), Valeria Valdez (38) and Daniela Calderón (90+5) scored the goals that helped La Máquina awaken its dream of qualifying for the playoffs.

In a playoff game, Santos defeated Mazatlán 2-1 at Corona Stadium, meaning both teams are out.

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Photo

▲ Héctor Moreno, 37, a champion with the Tricolor U-17 team in 2005, announced his retirement after a 20-year career. “Football gave me unforgettable moments: wearing the Mexican jersey, playing in World Cups, getting to know new countries, defending great teams,” he said in an emotional speech on his Instagram account. The former Pumas youth player established himself in Europe with clubs such as AZ Alkmaar, Español, PSV Eindhoven, Roma, and Real Sociedad, as well as the national team, with which he played in three World Cups. His last team was Rayados de Monterrey. Photo @hectormorenoh

La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, October 18, 2025, p. a11

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