James’ León Sets Sights on New Path as They Face Leader Toluca

León Faces Crucial Test Against Toluca in Mexican League Showdown

León’s Ambitious Playoff Campaign Under Ambriz

With a mid-table position but the potential to qualify for the finals, León is set to challenge the league leaders Toluca on Saturday in a vital match. This will be the home debut for Mexican coach Ignacio Ambriz, succeeding Argentine Eduardo Berizzo, who resigned last weekend. Speaking about the journey ahead, Ambriz mentioned, “Only daily work will allow us to aim for a playoff spot.”

Ambriz’s Familiar Territory: León’s Strategic Focus

The 60-year-old Ambriz took over when León was in the 11th position with 12 points, seven points short of automatic playoff spots and just one shy of the playoff zone. With six regular-season matches remaining, León seeks a resurgence as they host Toluca, led by Argentine coach Antonio Mohamed, who tops the standings with 25 points. Toluca is buoyant after winning the Campeones Cup against LA Galaxy on Wednesday.

Toluca’s Winning Streak and Leadership Race

Toluca aims to extend its five-match winning streak in the league to solidify its leadership position, sharing points with Monterrey. Monterrey, coached by Sergio Ramos, will visit Tijuana, overseen by Uruguayan coach Sebastián Abreu, on Sunday.

Ambriz’s Return: Harnessing James Rodríguez’s Talent

A former disciple of current Mexican national coach Javier Aguirre, Ambriz is known for promoting an intense and dynamic playing style. His strategic outlook on leveraging the talents of Colombian star James Rodríguez raises expectations, especially as the league reaches its critical phase. “I need to connect with James in my own way,” Ambriz stated, adding that his first interaction with the team was with the creative Colombian. “He is eager and aims to be a champion,” Ambriz noted.

Challenges and Opportunities in Current Season

In the ongoing Apertura 2025, Rodríguez has participated in eight of 11 matches, missing out on three due to injury concerns, as previously reported by Berizzo. Despite this, James has contributed two goals and an assist. However, León’s performance remains underwhelming offensively, with only 10 goals, placing them among the league’s least productive teams.

Second Stint: Ambriz and León’s Shared History

Ambriz returns for a second tenure with León, having previously led the team between 2018 and 2021. During that period, he secured a league title and reached a final. Following that, he undertook projects with Huesca in Spain’s second division, as well as with Toluca and Santos in Mexico, although with limited success. “They say second chances are never the same; I say they are either very good or very bad,” Ambriz mused.

Upcoming Fixtures and Current Standings

Ambriz’s second debut with León against Toluca presents an opportunity for personal redemption, as he was dismissed by Toluca in 2023. He had filed a contract dispute, which the club won. The upcoming matches for the current week include:

• Friday: Necaxa vs. Pachuca, Mazatlán vs. Atlético San Luis, Atlas vs. Juárez
• Saturday: Querétaro vs. Puebla, León vs. Toluca, Tigres vs. Cruz Azul, América vs. Santos
• Sunday: Pumas vs. Guadalajara, Tijuana vs. Monterrey