In a highly anticipated clash on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Club América faced off against Tigres UANL in Mexico City, battling for supremacy at the top of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 standings. This matchup, dubbed the "Clásico Regio," featured two of the league's top teams, with América sitting in first place and Tigres in third, separated only by León.
Kickoff at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes was set for 19:00 hours local time, and the stakes were high. Both teams were eager to claim the top spot in the regular phase of the tournament. However, Tigres entered the match without their star striker, André-Pierre Gignac, who was sidelined due to an ongoing injury. Gignac's absence was a significant blow for Tigres, as he is not only a key player but also a veteran who knows how to perform in crucial matches.
Gignac had previously undergone surgery for his injury and had made a brief return to the field, but discomfort led to his continued absence. In a recent television interview, he expressed hope to return just in time for the Liguilla, the playoff stage of the tournament. His absence was felt deeply, especially considering the rivalry and the importance of the match.
As the match unfolded, it became clear that Tigres struggled to maintain their competitive edge without Gignac. The first half was competitive, but América struck first, taking the lead with a well-placed goal. Tigres' coach, Guido Pizarro, noted that his team was performing well until the second goal, after which they seemed to lose their momentum. "I think the game was even until the second goal; we fell off a bit after that," he said. Pizarro emphasized the need for his team to learn from the experience, especially since they might face América again in the playoffs.
América capitalized on their home advantage, showcasing their offensive prowess. The match concluded with a decisive 3-0 victory for Club América, solidifying their position at the top of the table. The goals came from a combination of skillful play and tactical execution, leaving Tigres to reflect on their performance.
Pizarro addressed the media post-match, expressing his disappointment but also his commitment to improving. "This match will help us learn from our mistakes; we need to correct what hasn’t been working for us," he stated. He acknowledged the superior performance of América, especially after they scored their initial goals. "After the goals, they were very dominant," he added.
Reflecting on the absence of Gignac, Pizarro reiterated the importance of having a healthy squad. "The most important thing is for André to get well; we hope he returns soon, but the team’s overall performance is what matters most," he said. With the CONCACAF Champions Cup looming on the horizon, Tigres must regroup quickly, as they are set to face a challenging opponent on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Meanwhile, Gignac, despite his injury, remains a pivotal figure in the team. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on the rivalry, stating, "For me, it still is the match of the year." His passion for the game and his desire to return to the field resonate with fans and teammates alike. He also expressed a love for Mexico, admitting that he would have proudly represented the Mexican national team had the opportunity arisen.
The rivalry between Tigres and América has always generated excitement, and even from the sidelines, Gignac’s enthusiasm for the match was palpable. He mentioned wanting to see former teammates like Lucas Zelarayán return to the club, highlighting the camaraderie and history within the team. Zelarayán, who previously played for Tigres, made a significant impact during his time, contributing to their success with 23 goals and 14 assists.
As the Liga MX season progresses, both teams are set to face more challenges. América will look to maintain their form and continue their title defense, while Tigres, under Pizarro’s guidance, must address their weaknesses and prepare for their upcoming matches, particularly with the CONCACAF Champions Cup on the line.
While the loss was tough for Tigres, Pizarro remains optimistic. "We aspire to fight until the end; we must learn from this experience and improve for the next match," he concluded. With the playoffs approaching, the lessons learned from this defeat could be crucial for Tigres as they aim to secure their place in the postseason.
