TOLUCA, Mexico (Interstat) — Enner Valencia’s eighth-minute goal lifted Pachuca to a 1-0 victory over Toluca on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Estadio Nemesio Díez in the Liga MX opener for both clubs.

Valencia struck early, collecting a pass from midfielder Alek Álvarez and finishing past the Toluca goalkeeper to give the visitors a lead they would not relinquish. The goal came after a quick buildup that caught the Toluca defense out of position. Álvarez’s assist was the first of two key contributions from Pachuca’s midfield; substitute Sergio Rodríguez later added an assist of his own, though that second helper did not result in an additional goal.

Pachuca controlled much of the first half following the early strike. Toluca struggled to generate clear chances, managing only a few long-range attempts that were easily handled. The home side’s best opportunity came in the 35th minute when a corner kick was headed just wide of the far post.

The match grew increasingly physical as the second half progressed. Alán Bautista of Toluca received a yellow card in the 41st minute for a late challenge in midfield. The booking was the first of three in the contest. Álvarez was cautioned in the 76th minute for a tactical foul that broke up a Toluca counterattack. Deep into stoppage time, Rodríguez was also shown a yellow card, in the 90th minute plus seven, for a rough tackle near the sideline.

Toluca pushed forward in the final 20 minutes, desperate for an equalizer. The home side earned several set pieces but could not convert. Pachuca’s defense, organized and disciplined, absorbed the pressure and cleared danger repeatedly. The visitors’ goalkeeper made a crucial save in the 83rd minute, diving to his left to deny a curling shot from outside the box.

The result leaves Pachuca with a 1-0 record in Liga MX play and across all competitions this season. Toluca falls to 0-1 in both categories. The loss is a tough start for Toluca, which had expectations of contending after a strong preseason.

Álvarez’s assist was a highlight for Pachuca. The midfielder showed vision and precision to find Valencia in stride. Rodríguez, entering as a substitute, also made an impact with his assist, though the second goal never materialized. Both players were central to Pachuca’s offensive rhythm.

For Toluca, the defeat was compounded by an inability to finish. The home side outshot Pachuca in the second half but lacked the final touch. The midfield struggled to link with the forwards, and the defense, while solid for most of the game, was caught out on the decisive goal.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Toluca 1, Pachuca 1, and the Interstat ELO system gave Toluca an 86.30 percent probability to win entering the match.