The ‘Máquina’ will close out the series at home with the advantage granted by the away goal rule.
Cruz Azul secured a valuable 1-1 draw against Tigres in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, played at the Estadio Universitario. The second leg will decide everything next week.
A Tactical and Tense First Half
The match started slowly, with both teams looking to dominate the midfield. They were unsuccessful, and their attempts at the opponent’s goal were nil. The rhythm was cautious, with both sides focused on not making early mistakes that could tilt the balance of the tie.
La Máquina had a couple of opportunities against Nahuel Guzmán’s goal, one of them a shot from outside the box by Carlos Rodríguez, but it all ended in trouble for the home side. Despite limited chances in the first half, Cruz Azul remained organized and patient in their build-up, waiting for the right moment to strike. Their defensive line stayed compact, preventing Tigres from creating clear goal-scoring opportunities.
The felines had a clear chance when Willer Ditta failed to break away. Fernando Gorriarán kept the ball but failed to capitalize on it, mistaking his pass to Uriel Antuna, who was unmarked in the box, and thus losing the chance to open the scoring. It was a critical moment when the visitors could have taken control of the match, but their miscommunication in the final third proved costly.
Missed Chances on Both Ends
Cruz Azul had a good opportunity when Rodolfo Rotondi sent a cross from the left side into the box. Jorge Sánchez appeared unmarked in the box but failed to finish and sent the ball over the crossbar. The chance drew gasps from the traveling fans, who saw what could have been a turning point in the tie.
Ignacio Rivero missed another opportunity for the Celestes when he took a free kick on the edge of the box, but his shot went into the hands of Nahuel Guzmán, keeping the score at 0-0.
Cruz Azul Strikes First
Guzmán, who has been a reliable presence for Tigres, showed once again why he is considered one of the top goalkeepers in the region with a calm, collected save.
La Máquina gradually looked more threatening, and their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Alexis Gutiérrez arrived from the left side and sent a cross that Ángel Sepúlveda connected with his head in the box. The ball landed in Rotondi’s hands, who made no mistake and sent the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.
Tigres Responds
It was a perfectly timed sequence showcasing Cruz Azul’s patience and tactical discipline, breaking through at the right moment.
Finding themselves behind on the scoreboard, coach Guido Pizarro brought on Rafael Carioca and Marcelo Flores. The team improved their performance, but the visitors could find a way to score defensively when pushed. The substitutions brought Tigres energy and urgency, but Cruz Azul stayed firm and focused.
Tigres continued their quest for an equalizer and got it in the 83rd minute when Juan Sánchez Purata headed a free kick into the box to level the score at 1-1. The goal resulted from constant pressure and a well-delivered set piece, and it breathed new life into the match as the clock ticked down.
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Looking Ahead
After that, the scoreboard remained unchanged, and La Máquina secured the crucial equalizer, scoring an away goal, which could have given them a place in the final if the aggregate score had gone that way. With the tie finely balanced, all eyes now turn to the second leg, where Cruz Azul will look to make the most of the advantage and seal their spot in the tournament’s final.
The tension is set to rise at the return leg, where every moment will matter. With the away goal rule potentially playing a decisive role, both sides must approach the match with precision and intensity. Expect the return at the Estadio Azteca to be a fierce battle, as Cruz Azul aims to capitalize on their away effort and Tigres looks to turn the tide in their favor.
