Action from the Liga MX Clausura match between host Guadalajara and Toluca on March 4, 2017, in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo: Gema Lugo/Straffon Images)
TOLUCA, Mexico – Two of Mexico’s most decorated clubs will clash in the 2017 Liga MX Clausura semifinals starting on Thursday, as host and 10-time champion Toluca welcomes 11-time champion Guadalajara to the Estadio Nemesio Diez.
CONCACAF.com takes a look at the series.
REGULAR SEASON RECORDS:
#3 Guadalajara (7W-6D-4L; 21GF, 18GA) v #4 Toluca (8W-3D-6L; 21GF, 20GA)
- HOW THEY GOT HERE:
After falling 1-0 in the quarterfinal, first leg, Guadalajara slipped past city-rival Atlas by the same score in the second leg and advanced due to a higher position in the regular-season table. - Toluca took down host Santos, 4-1, in the quarterfinal, first leg, and withstood the Guerreros’ 3-1 second-leg win to progress, 5-4 on aggregate.
- SHINING STARS:
Whenever Edwin Hernandez has the ball, he is a threat. The Guadalajara midfielder had five assists during the Clausura, tied for first in the league. - The Chivas defense must always be aware of Toluca forward Fernando Uribe. The Colombian netted seven regular-season goals and also scored in the quarterfinal, first-leg win at Santos.
- FAMILIAR FOES:
In their lone meeting this season, Alan Pulido (32’, 73’) scored both goals as Guadalajara defeated visiting Toluca, 2-0, on March 4. - The sides’ previous Liguilla meeting was the 2012 Apertura quarterfinals, when Toluca prevailed (agg: 5-2).
- SCCL IMPLICATIONS:
Advancing to the final would give Guadalajara its second ever Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League berth (2012/13), while 2013/14 SCCL finalist Toluca is seeking a fourth appearance (2009/10, 2010/11, 2013/14).
