The highly anticipated clash between Tigres and Cruz Azul concluded with a 1-1 draw in the second-leg matchup of Liga MX’s knockout stage.
The tie was first broken by Tigres in the 60th minute, with Ángel Correa finding the net. However, Cruz Azul equalized shortly after when Gabriel Fernández converted a penalty kick in the 75th minute.
Just one minute into the first half, Tigres’ Fernando Gorriarán nearly opened the scoring, hitting the post and leaving the team yearning for celebration.
Throughout the match, Cruz Azul dominated in terms of shots, boasting a total of 9 attempts on goal, 7 of which were off target.
Gabriel Fernández stood out as the key player, showcasing a stellar performance with a goal and 3 shots on goal. Ángel Correa also impressed, contributing a goal and firing off 4 attempts.
Cruz Azul’s coach, Nicolás Larcamón, opted for a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Andrés Gudiño in goal; Jorge Sánchez, Willer Ditta, Jesús Orozco, and Omar Campos in defense; Erik Lira, Carlos Rodríguez, Ignacio Rivero, José Paradela, and Jeremy Márquez in midfield; with Gabriel Fernández leading the attack.
On the other hand, Tigres, managed by Guido Pizarro, set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Nahuel Guzmán as goalkeeper; Jesús Garza, Joaquim Pereira, Jesús Angulo, and Marco Farfan at the back; Juan Brunetta, Fernando Gorriarán, Rômulo, and Diego Lainez in the midfield; and Ángel Correa and Nicolás Ibáñez up front.
Ismael López Peñuelas served as the main referee for the match held at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
The tie leaves both teams eager for the next match, with the decisive encounter set for December 7th at Estadio Universitario.
Substitutions for Cruz Azul
45’ 2T – Omar Campos out for Rodolfo Rotondi and Jeremy Márquez out for Lorenzo Faravelli
62’ 2T – Jorge Sánchez out for Ángel Sepúlveda
69’ 2T – Jesús Orozco out for Gonzalo Piovi
82’ 2T – José Paradela out for Luka Romero
Cruz Azul Yellow Cards:
31’ 1T – Jeremy Márquez (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
32’ 2T – Gabriel Fernández (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
41’ 2T – Ignacio Rivero (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions for Tigres
38’ 1T – Nicolás Ibáñez out for Ozziel Herrera
65’ 2T – Juan Brunetta out for Juan José Purata
81’ 2T – Jesús Angulo out for Juan Pablo Vigón
Tigres Yellow Cards:
18’ 2T – Joaquim Pereira (Holding opponent to prevent advancement)
19’ 2T – Nahuel Guzmán (Delaying the game)
47’ 2T – Jesús Garza (Unsportsmanlike conduct)