Tigres held Cruz Azul to a 1-1 tie in the first leg of their Semifinal series which greatly benefits them. Cruz Azul now needs to get a win in Monterrey as a tie or win gives Tigres the ticket to the 2025 Apertura Final. It was a very even match with little excitement as the away side was able to neutralize Cruz Azul, who never created much danger. On Saturday, the teams meet again for the return leg that will decides who gets to play in the Final.
The 1st half started with both teams coming out with a strong starting 11 although Cruz Azul surprised by starting Omar Campos instead of Carlos Rotondi. A cross into the area was headed from close range by Angel Correa but right at Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper, Andres Gudiño. Later from outside the area, Fernando Gorriaran would get off a right footed shot that hit the post. A good thru pass in the area would be close for Jorge Sanchez but Tigres’ goalkeeper, Nahuel Guzman, would get to the ball before him. The match was very even as Tigres did a good job of containing Cruz Azul. Tigres subbed out the injured Nicolas Ibañez for Ozziel Herrera. The 1st half would end and after a very even match, the scoreless draw was more than deserved.
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The 2nd half started with Cruz Azul subbing out Omar Campos and Jeremy Marquez for Carlos Rotondi and Lorenzo Faravelli. From outside the area, Faravelli got off a right footed shot that forced Guzman to make a good save in the best chance for Cruz Azul so far in the match. After getting a good pass, Juan Brunetta had a wide open chance in the area but his left footed shot went wide in a bad miss for Tigres. A cross into the area would bounce all the way to Ignacio Rivero, whose header went wide. A cross into the area was headed by Rotondi and Guzman had to make another save to stop it from going in. After a pass from Diego Lainez was deflected into the path of Angel Correa, he would get off a right footed shot past Gudiño and into the net to score and give Tigres the 1-0 lead. Cruz Azul subbed out Jorge Sanchez for Angel Sepulveda. Tigres subbed out Juan Brunetta for Juan Sanchez Purata in a defensive move. Another cross into the area was headed wide by Rivero. Cruz Azul subbed out Jesus Orozco for Gonzalo Piovi. A cross into the area was headed by Gabriel Fernandez but right to Guzman. After a cross into the area was lowered by Rivero, whose shot was deflected wide, the referee ruled that Marco Farfan had handled the ball and gave Cruz Azul a Penalty Kick. Gabriel Fernandez stepped up to take the PK and his right footed shot would easily go past Guzman to score and tie the match at 1-1. Tigres subbed out Jesus Alberto Angulo for Juan Pablo Vigon. Cruz Azul subbed out Jose Paradela for Luka Romero. A shot from Rivero from outside the area was easily saved by Guzman. After Herrera got into the area and lost the ball, it went into the path of Correa, who sent his right footed shot wide in a bad miss. There would be no other chance as the match ended in a tie that benefits the visiting side.
In a very tough and even match, Tigres was able to get a great result over a Cruz Azul side that couldn’t create much. After a dreadful 1st half, the sides improved in the 2nd although the match was not as exciting as expected. Tigres came to get a result and almost got a key victory after taking the lead. Cruz Azul had more scoring chances overall but not by a lot as even the final minutes weren’t filled with chances for either sides. It was a cautious effort for both sides as Tigres went defensive especially after taking the lead and Cruz Azul never went full out on attack as they were careful not to give Tigres counter attack opportunities. On Saturday, Cruz Azul will need to attack as a tie or loss will give Tigres the ticket to the final. It will be interesting and hopefully a lot more than in the first leg.
