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The Full timeline of club américa vs deportivo toluca f.c.

You know the feeling. The anticipation builds as the match approaches, that familiar buzz of energy between two rivals. When Deportivo Toluca faces off against Club América, all of Mexico watches. These two giants of Mexican football have been battling for over a century, and their clashes are the stuff of legend.

For the casual fan, the history of this iconic rivalry can be hard to follow. There have been so many twists and turns, heroes and villains, triumphs and heartbreaks over the years. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this complete timeline, we’ll walk you through each and every chapter of the Toluca-América story. From their first match in 1916 through to their most recent showdown, you’ll relive all the key moments that have made this rivalry Mexico’s fiercest.

So grab your scarf, pour yourself a cold one, and get ready to experience the passion and drama of the Deportivo Toluca vs Club América rivalry. This is your all-access pass to one of the greatest rivalries in football. The countdown to the next match begins now!

The Birth of a Rivalry: 1916-1940

The rivalry between Deportivo Toluca and Club América is one of the fiercest in Mexican football. It all began over 100 years ago, in 1916. At the time, football was still gaining popularity in Mexico. Toluca and América were two of the earliest professional clubs, and their passionate fans helped build the sport’s following.

In those early days, matches between Toluca and América were mostly friendly. But tensions started rising in the 1920s. América dominated the first division, winning five titles in six years. Toluca supporters saw them as arrogant, while América fans viewed Toluca as inferior.

By the 1930s, the rivalry intensified. Matches were scrappy, physical affairs, as players and fans alike traded insults. In 1936, América trounced Toluca 8-1, fueling Toluca’s resentment. The next year, Toluca got revenge, beating América 6-3.

The golden age of the Clásico Joven (the “young classic”) was the 1940s. Both clubs had top players and were league powers. Games were thrillers, like América’s 4-3 win in 1941 and Toluca’s 3-2 victory in 1948. The passion in the stands was unparalleled.

In those first 25 years, América held the edge with more wins and titles. But Toluca had gained their respect as a worthy foe. A historic rivalry was born, destined to become one of the greatest in football. The Clásico Joven was here to stay.

The Golden Years: 1940-1970

The 30 years between 1940 to 1970 were the golden years for these crosstown rivals. Some of the most memorable matches took place during this era.

  • In the 1940s, Toluca and América were evenly matched, with each winning 3 championships. The decade came down to a dramatic final match in 1949, with Toluca coming out on top for their 5th title.
  • The 1950s belonged to América, who won an impressive 6 championships in that decade. Their star-studded roster, which included players like Horacio Casarín and José Villegas, dominated the league. América’s success and flashy style of play attracted huge crowds and cemented their popularity.
  • In the 1960s, the rivalry intensified as the teams competed for the new Copa México. América won the first 3 Copas, but Toluca got revenge by beating them in the final of the 1967 Copa. The following year, Toluca won their first league title in 19 years by defeating América in a playoff.
  • The 1970s saw a resurgence of Toluca, who won 3 championships in the decade. A new generation of talented players like Alfredo del Águila and Miguel Mejía Barón led Toluca to success. Meanwhile, América struggled, winning only 1 title in 1970.

With 8 league titles and 3 Copas between them during this era, the golden years produced many memorable moments in the storied Toluca-América rivalry. The decades of dominance, star players, and dramatic finals cemented the passion of fans on both sides.

The Dark Ages: 1970-1990

The Dark Ages: 1970-1990

During this 20-year period, the Clásico Joven was dominated by América, who won 15 of the 22 matches played. Toluca only managed 3 wins, with the remaining 4 matches ending in draws. This was a time of struggle for Los Diablos Rojos.

Toluca had a dismal decade in the ‘70s, finishing in the bottom half of the table 7 out of the 10 seasons. In contrast, América won 3 league titles in this time. The ‘80s started similarly, with Toluca finishing second to last in 1980-81 and América winning another championship in 1983-84.

Things began to turn around for Toluca in the late ‘80s. In 1988-89, they finished 3rd in the league, their highest position in over 15 years. The following season, they made it to the semi-finals of the playoffs for the first time ever, showing they were starting to become real contenders again. Still, América got the better of them in their matches, winning all 4 games played between ‘88-’90.

The ‘70s and ‘80s were a rough era for Tolucanos, full of more lows than highs. In their matches against América, they were frequently outplayed and overpowered. Los Diablos Rojos struggled to find consistency and stability, going through several coaching changes in this time. In contrast, América was the dominant force in Liga MX, winning 5 titles between 1970 and 1990.

For Toluca, the ‘90s couldn’t come soon enough. The next decade would see a reversal of fortunes for both clubs, with Toluca rising to become a powerhouse and América experiencing a prolonged title drought. The Clásico Joven was about to become a much more evenly matched and closely contested affair.

The Renaissance: 1990-2000

The 1990s marked a renaissance for Deportivo Toluca. After decades of ups and downs, the club finally found stability and success. Under manager Enrique Meza, Toluca won two league titles and established themselves as a powerhouse.

The First Championship (1992-1993)

In the 1992-1993 season, Toluca won their first ever league title in dramatic fashion. Going into the final matchday, Toluca trailed leaders Puebla by two points. However, Puebla lost their final match, and Toluca defeated Pachuca to clinch the title by a single point. Striker Gabriel Caballero scored the winning goal to spark wild celebrations.

The Double (1998)

Five years later, Toluca achieved even greater success. They won both the Verano and Invierno championships to complete the first “double” in Liga MX history. In the Verano final, Toluca defeated Necaxa on penalties after a 0-0 draw. The Invierno final was a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cruz Azul in extra time, with Caballero again scoring the winning goal.

Other Highlights

Some other highlights from the decade:

  • Toluca made their first Copa Libertadores appearance in 1995, reaching the semifinals.
  • Midfielder Antonio “Sinha” Naelson joined in 1996 and became a club legend, playing over 300 matches in two stints with Toluca.
  • Young striker Ivan Zamorano scored 34 goals from 1992 to 1994 before moving to Real Madrid.
  • Toluca moved into their new home, Estadio Nemesio Diez, in 1993. The stadium is still used today and nicknamed “La Bombonera” (The Chocolate Box) due to its shape.

The 1990s established Toluca as a major force in Mexican football. With two league titles and a new stadium, the club entered the new millennium poised for even more success. The rivalry with Club América also intensified during this era, setting the stage for many dramatic matches to come.

The New Millennium: 2000-2010

The new millennium brought exciting changes to the Clásico Joven. Both teams saw an influx of talented players that raised the level of play and intensity of their rivalry.

Increased Competition

In the early 2000s, the league grew with the addition of new teams, resulting in a more competitive environment. Toluca and América had to fight harder to qualify for the playoffs and win championships. The quality of players also improved, as teams looked outside Mexico for talent. Higher salaries attracted skilled footballers from South America and Europe.

Memorable Moments

Some of the most thrilling matches between Toluca and América occurred during this era. In the 2003 Apertura playoffs, Toluca came back from a 3-1 aggregate deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate, including a 3-0 victory at Estadio Azteca. The 2005 Clausura final is considered one of the best in league history. América won 3-2 at Estadio Azteca in a dramatic, back-and-forth match that wasn’t decided until the final minutes.

New Stadiums

Both teams moved into new stadiums in the 2000s. Toluca left Estadio Luis “Pirata” Fuente for Estadio Nemesio Díez in 2003. América played their last match at Estadio Azteca in 2008 before moving to Estadio Azteca in 1993. The state-of-the-art facilities provided more comfort for fans and boosted matchday revenue.

The 2000s were a golden era for the Clásico Joven. Close matches, star players, and new stadiums galvanized supporters of Toluca and América. Their intense rivalry flourished in an increasingly competitive league, cementing its status as one of the most anticipated fixtures in Mexican football. The following decade would see more thrills and controversy between the two bitter adversaries.

The Last Decade: 2010-2020

The rivalry between Deportivo Toluca and Club América intensified in the 2010s. Some of the decade’s most memorable and hard-fought matches took place during this period.

2010-2012: Toluca Dominates

From 2010 to 2012, Toluca had the upper hand, winning 5 of the 7 league matches against América, including a 3-0 victory in 2011. During this stretch, Toluca won back-to-back league titles in 2010 and 2011, while América struggled, finishing no higher than 3rd place.

2013-2015: The Pendulum Swings

The tide turned in 2013 as América won 4 straight over their rivals, including a 2-0 win in the 2013 Apertura final to claim the league championship. América also knocked Toluca out of the 2015 Copa MX final. After being dominated for 2 years, Toluca finally beat América 1-0 in April 2015.

2016-2018: Things Even Out

Over the next 3 seasons, the teams traded wins, with each club earning 4 victories. The matches were closely contested, with 5 of the 8 games decided by 1 goal. América won a thrilling 4-3 contest in September 2017 that saw 3 goals in the final 10 minutes.

2019-2020: América Surges Again

América has recently regained the upper hand, going undefeated in the last 5 league meetings with 3 wins and 2 draws. They also defeated Toluca in the 2019 Copa MX final. However, Toluca did get revenge in the 2020 Copa por México, a preseason tournament, with a 2-1 victory.

The Toluca-América rivalry remains one of the most passionate in Liga MX. With their stadiums only 2 hours apart, fans of both clubs live side by side, fueling tensions. The decade from 2010 to 2020 showcased the rivalry at its most dramatic, with momentum frequently shifting from one club to the other. More thrilling chapters are surely yet to be written in this storied saga.

Memorable Moments

The First Meeting (1943)

The first time these two powerhouse clubs met was in 1943, though the matchup didn’t become a true rivalry until the 1950s. Still, that initial meeting set the stage for the intensity to come. Deportivo Toluca won 3-2, signaling that Club América had a worthy opponent. Little did they know this would blossom into one of the fiercest rivalries in Liga MX.

The Golden Years (1950s-1970s)

The 1950s through 1970s were the golden years of the rivalry, with both clubs enjoying success and meeting frequently in meaningful matches. Some of the most memorable were:

  • The 1957 final, won by Toluca for their first league title.
  • The 1966 final, won by América for their 7th title.
  • The 1975 semi-final, won by América in extra time before defeating Toluca again in the final.

These decades cemented the rivalry in Mexican football lore. Fans came to expect passion, drama and the unexpected whenever these two clubs met.

Recent Renewal (2000s-Present)

In recent years, the rivalry has experienced a renewal, with more frequent and meaningful matches. Some highlights include:

  • The 2002 semi-final, won by Toluca in extra time before winning the final.
  • The 2007 semi-final, won by América in a penalty shootout.
  • The 2013 quarterfinal, won by Toluca with a thrilling 3-2 comeback in the second leg.
  • The 2018 semi-final, won by América in a dramatic series that came down to the final minutes of the second leg.

While the golden years may be in the past, the rivalry burns as bright as ever today. Any match between Deportivo Toluca and Club América is must-see football, as the passion of fans and intensity on the pitch make for an unforgettable experience. The history runs deep for these two grande clubs of Mexico.

All-Time Top Scorers

When it comes to the rivalry between Deportivo Toluca and Club América, several players have etched their names into the history books as all-time top scorers. These prolific strikers terrorized opposing defenses and brought fans to their feet with their goal-scoring exploits.

Alfredo Tena

Alfredo Tena played his entire 15-year career with Club América, scoring 141 goals in 436 appearances between 1976 to 1991. Nicknamed “El Capitán,” Tena helped América win six league titles and led the team in scoring three times. His goal-scoring record stood for over 20 years until broken by Cuauhtémoc Blanco.

Cuauhtémoc Blanco

One of Mexico’s most famous players, Cuauhtémoc Blanco played for América across three stints between 1992 to 2010. During that time, he scored 125 league goals, making him América’s second all-time top scorer. Blanco was known for his charismatic style of play and his signature “Cuauhtemiña” move. He helped América win five league titles and two CONCACAF Champions Cups.

Carlos Hermosillo

Carlos Hermosillo played eight seasons with América from 1988 to 1996, scoring 107 goals in 241 appearances. Nicknamed “El Matador,” Hermosillo was a predatory striker who won two league scoring titles and helped América win three league championships. His partnership with Blanco made for a formidable attacking duo that terrorized opposing defenses.

José Saturnino Cardozo

For Toluca, José Saturnino Cardozo is the club’s all-time leading scorer by a wide margin. The Paraguayan striker played for Toluca from 1996 to 2007, scoring 249 goals in 390 matches across all competitions. Nicknamed “El Diablo,” Cardozo won five league scoring titles, helped Toluca win five league titles and three CONCACAF Champions Cups. His goal-scoring record for Toluca still stands today and may never be broken.

These legendary goalscorers have defined the rivalry between América and Toluca. Their prolific scoring feats, charismatic styles of play and championship-winning contributions have etched their names into the folklore of one of Mexico’s most bitter rivalries.

Deportivo Toluca F.C. Vs Club América Timeline FAQs

Deportivo Toluca F.C. and Club América have a long and storied rivalry in Liga MX. If you’re new to following these clubs, you probably have a few questions about their history. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Toluca vs América timeline:

When did the rivalry begin?

The rivalry between Toluca and América began in 1967, the year Toluca was promoted to the top division. The first match between the two clubs was played on August 6, 1967, with América winning 2-1.

How many times have they played each other?

As of 2021, Toluca and América have faced each other in over 200 official matches in all competitions. América holds the edge with 88 wins to Toluca’s 65.

What are some of the most memorable matches?

Some of the most memorable matches in the rivalry include:

  1. The 1997 Verano final – Toluca won their first league title by defeating América in a penalty shootout.
  2. The 2002 Apertura final – América got revenge, beating Toluca 3-2 on aggregate to win the title.
  3. The 2010 Bicentenario final – Toluca won their 10th league championship by overcoming a first leg deficit to beat América.
  4. The 2013 Apertura semifinal – América rallied from a 3-1 first leg loss to eliminate Toluca in dramatic fashion.

Which players stood out in the rivalry?

Some players that stood out in the Toluca-América rivalry include:

  • Enrique Borja – América legend who scored many goals against Toluca
  • Christian Benítez – Former América striker who frequently scored in matches vs Toluca
  • Sinha – Former Toluca midfielder known for controlling the midfield against América
  • Antonio Naelson – Former Toluca goalkeeper known for penalty kick heroics vs América

The rivalry between Deportivo Toluca and Club América is one of the most passionate in Mexican football. Their frequent, closely-contested and meaningful matches over the years have created an intense rivalry that looks set to continue for many more years to come.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the complete timeline of one of Mexico’s biggest football rivalries. Deportivo Toluca and Club América have been battling it out for over 50 years now in Liga MX, creating many memorable moments along the way. As the rivalry continues to intensify, there are sure to be many more thrilling matches and storylines to come. No matter which side you support, you have to appreciate the passion and dedication of the fans, and recognize that rivalries like this are what make football such an enthralling sport. The next time these two giants of Mexican football meet, be sure to tune in – you never know when you might witness history in the making.

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