Before the CONCACAF final, attention turns to Toluca’s bold Tigres raid

Toluca and Tigres will battle for the CONCACAF Champions Cup title on Saturday at Estadio Nemesio Diez, with Antonio “Turco” Mohamed’s side and Guido Pizarro’s team both chasing continental glory after knocking out MLS opponents to set up an all-Mexican final.

With the showdown approaching, attention has once again turned to the controversial move between Tigres and Toluca, when the Red Devils effectively “stole” Sebastián Córdova from the Monterrey-based club.

Córdova played a key role in Tigres’ Liga MX Clausura 2023 title run against Chivas, scoring the goal that forced extra time before Tigres eventually lifted the trophy in Guadalajara.

Why Turco took Córdova away from Tigres

Sebastián Córdova left Tigres to join Toluca in January of this year, ending his spell with the club after making 159 appearances, scoring 24 goals and providing 18 assists across all competitions.

During his time with Tigres, he won the Liga MX title in 2023 against Chivas and also lifted the Campeones Cup later that year after beating LAFC.

“The truth is that Córdova was a player who was available on the market and we found him very appealing,” Turco Mohamed said after the Mexican midfielder’s signing in January.

“He’s going to replace Juampi Domínguez, who left for León, and the front office moved quickly to bring him in.”

“We know the quality he has. We’re going to give him the role he deserves, but from there, getting back to his best depends on him,” Mohamed added at the start of January.

“It’ll depend on him, on the intensity he brings in training, on his hunger to win, on his desire to get back to the top level.”

So far, however, Córdova has not secured a regular spot in Toluca’s starting lineup. Since arriving at the club, he has played 22 matches, recording just one goal and two assists.

More is expected from the midfielder, who is under contract with Toluca through June 2030.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.