James’ Lion Tests New Path Against Leading Toluca
León Faces Crucial Test Against League Leaders Toluca in Mexican Apertura Tournament
León’s Playoff Ambitions Under New Leadership
León, currently in the mid-table but capable of securing a finals spot, is set to test its fortunes against league leaders Toluca in a crucial Mexican Apertura clash on Saturday. This game marks the home debut of Mexican coach Ignacio Ambriz, who replaced Eduardo Berizzo. “Daily hard work is key to securing a playoff spot,” stated Ambriz, who took over a team that has won just one of their last five league matches.
Ignacio Ambriz’s Strategic Focus
Ambriz, 60, assumes leadership with León in 11th position, holding 12 points. The team is seven points away from automatic qualification spots and just one point shy of the playoff zone. With six matches left in the regular season, Ambriz aims to capitalize on the talents of Colombian star James Rodríguez. “I need to connect with James on a personal level,” Ambriz shared, emphasizing Rodríguez’s desire to lead León to success.
León’s Upcoming Challenge Against Toluca
On Saturday, in the Nou Camp stadium, León will face off against Antonio Mohamed’s Toluca, who leads the championship with 25 points. Toluca, known for their robust attack, is fresh off a Campeones Cup victory against Los Angeles Galaxy. Aiming to extend their five-match winning streak, Toluca seeks to maintain solo leadership, with both Toluca and Monterrey leveled at 25 points.
Ambriz’s Second Tenure with León
This reunion marks Ambriz’s second stint with León, his first ending between 2018 and 2021 with a league title win. Following less successful ventures with Huesca, Toluca, and Santos, Ambriz sees this opportunity as a personal redemption, especially after a contentious departure from Toluca.
Matchday Twelve Schedule
- 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
Apertura 2025 Standings
| Position | Club | Points | Games Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toluca | 25 | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 31 | 14 | 17 |
| 2 | Monterrey | 25 | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 23 | 17 | 6 |
| 3 | América | 24 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 23 | 11 | 12 |
| 4 | Cruz Azul | 24 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 21 | 14 | 7 |
| 5 | Tigres | 22 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 21 | 9 | 12 |
| 6 | Tijuana | 19 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 11 | 10 |
| 7 | Juárez | 18 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 15 | 12 | 3 |
| 8 | Pachuca | 17 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 15 | 13 | 2 |
| 9 | Guadalajara | 14 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 16 | 17 | -1 |
| 10 | Pumas | 13 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 17 | -3 |
| 11 | León | 12 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 18 | -8 |
| 12 | Atlético San Luis | 10 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 16 | 18 | -2 |
| 13 | Santos | 10 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 18 | -5 |
| 14 | Atlas | 10 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 26 | -8 |
| 15 | Necaxa | 9 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 20 | -9 |
| 16 | Mazatlán | 8 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 13 | 20 | -7 |
| 17 | Querétaro | 8 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 20 | -9 |
| 18 | Puebla | 5 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 9 | 26 | -17 |
