In a tightly contested match, Necaxa and Tigres UANL played to a scoreless draw in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinals on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Estadio Victoria. Both teams entered the match with high hopes, but neither could find the back of the net, leaving everything to be decided in the second leg.
As the fourth and fifth-placed teams in the standings, the matchup was expected to be a fierce battle. Tigres, coming off a disappointing exit in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, were looking to regain their momentum in the league. Meanwhile, Necaxa aimed to capitalize on their home advantage to secure a crucial victory. The game kicked off at 9:00 PM ET, with fans eager to see which team would take the upper hand in this playoff series.
From the outset, both teams struggled to establish dominance. The match was characterized by a series of missed opportunities and defensive maneuvers. Necaxa, known for their attacking prowess, boasted a strong offensive record with 36 goals scored during the regular season, making them the second-best offense in the league. Diber Cambindo, who had netted 11 goals in the season, was expected to be a key player for Necaxa. However, he faced a staunch defense from Tigres, who allowed only 14 goals throughout the season, the second-best defensive record.
Despite Necaxa's offensive efforts, including shots from José Paradela and Pavel Pérez, they were unable to break through the Tigres defense, led by goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán, who made several crucial saves. Paradela, who had been a standout player for Necaxa with 8 goals and 7 assists, found himself frustrated as his attempts were thwarted.
The first half ended with both teams still searching for a breakthrough. Necaxa's best chance came when Paradela took a long-range shot that Guzmán expertly deflected. The match continued to be tightly contested, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances.
As the second half unfolded, the tension on the pitch escalated. Necaxa began to find their rhythm, pushing forward in search of a goal. However, missed opportunities plagued both teams. A notable moment came when Cambindo had a golden chance but failed to convert, reflecting the overall frustration of the match.
Controversy also marked the encounter, as a potential handball by Tigres' Ozziel Herrera was not reviewed by VAR, much to the dismay of the home fans. The referee's decision to allow play to continue sparked a minor scuffle on the pitch, resulting in a yellow card for Tigres' Rómulo.
With the match drawing to a close, Necaxa intensified their efforts, generating several dangerous attacks. However, Tigres' defense held firm, and the match ended in a stalemate. The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw, leaving the series wide open for the return leg at the Universitario Stadium.
The draw means that both teams will head into the second leg with everything to play for. Tigres will be eager to capitalize on their home advantage, while Necaxa will look to build on their performance and find the crucial goal that could see them through to the semifinals.
As the teams prepare for the decisive second leg, fans are left wondering which side will emerge victorious. With the stakes high and both teams showcasing their strengths, the return match promises to be an exciting affair.
Overall, the first leg of the Liga MX quarterfinals delivered a tense encounter, with both teams demonstrating their determination to advance. The players and coaches will undoubtedly review the game footage, seeking to exploit any weaknesses in their opponent's strategy as they prepare for the next chapter in this playoff saga.
The upcoming match will take place on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the Universitario Stadium, where Tigres will host Necaxa in what could prove to be a thrilling conclusion to this quarterfinal matchup.
With everything hanging in the balance, both teams are aware that a single goal could change the tide of the series. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will seize the moment and secure a place in the semifinals.
