MEXICO CITY, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Toluca defender Jesus Gallardo said Monday his team is ready to step up its bid for second consecutive Liga MX title ahead of its semifinal clash against Monterrey.

The clubs will meet in Guadalupe, part of the greater Monterrey area, on Wednesday before the return fixture in Toluca on Saturday.

"We had a great tournament and we believe we can fight for the championship," Gallardo told a news conference.

"That's the idea we have had since the start of the tournament and now we are a step closer. We are going to give 100% and hopefully that will be enough to reach the final. We're prepared and focused on trying to win back-to-back titles."

The Red Devils reached the Apertura tournament's last four with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Juarez in the quarterfinals while Monterrey advanced following a 3-2 win over Club America over two legs.

Gallardo stressed the importance of taking a positive result from the first leg.

"We know the quality of Rayados," he said. "They have great players but we have to focus on ourselves. The first match in Monterrey will be very important. We know the semifinal can't be won in the first match, but it can be lost."

"We are going to try to play our own game, closing down spaces and taking advantage of the chances that come our way so that we can hopefully finish off the tie at home," the Mexico international left-back added.