Toluca must keep these two players fit to avoid a points deduction

Toluca are chasing their second straight Liga MX championship in the Apertura 2025 tournament, currently sitting at the top of the league. But coach Antonio Mohamed’s squad could face a major setback in the coming days.

Toluca in danger of falling short of Liga MX requirement

Among all top-division teams, Toluca has given the fewest opportunities to young players. As a result, the team has not yet met the league’s requirement to give minutes to youth players. So far, the club has logged 932 minutes, falling 238 short of the mandated total.

What’s at stake for Toluca?

If Toluca fails to meet the requirement, they would lose three points and could drop from first place in the Apertura 2025 standings. Mohamed will need to rely on younger players in the remaining regular-season matches to avoid a penalty.

Understanding the rule

Liga MX requires every club to accumulate 1,170 minutes with domestic players born in 2003 or later during the regular season. Falling short triggers a three-point deduction for the offending team.

Everardo López and Oswaldo Virgen: Toluca’s potential saviors

Toluca academy products Everardo López and Oswaldo Virgen will almost certainly be the key to keeping the team’s points intact.

López has logged 522 minutes this season and also played in the U-20 World Cup in Chile, which counts toward the club’s required youth minutes.

Virgen, meanwhile, has played 163 minutes and also participated in the youth tournament. However, for national team minutes to count, players must log at least 180 minutes in the Apertura 2025. The 20-year-old is 17 minutes short with two games remaining against Atlas and Club América.

Overall, Toluca will be clear of danger if López plays 60 minutes across the final two matches, or if Virgen logs 21 minutes, according to FMF and Liga MX stats expert Óscar Guevara.

Toluca will be desperately hoping both players stay fit...

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