As the stage is set for a thrilling showdown, Tigres UANL is geared up to face Cruz Azul in the return leg of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. This crucial match, taking place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, is not just a game; it’s a gateway to the finals, a place Tigres hasn’t reached since 2020.
Guided by coach Guido Pizarro, Tigres will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory, needing to either win or secure a draw with two or more goals to advance to the championship match against the Vancouver Whitecaps, who recently eliminated Inter Miami.
However, the team will face challenges as they will be without key midfielder Rafael Carioca, who is sidelined due to a mouth infection. Pizarro confirmed, “Rafa has not been able to train. He has been in bed and unable to eat. He will stay recovering because he is important for what comes next and also for the playoffs.” Alongside Carioca, André-Pierre Gignac and Rafael Guerrero are also absent from the squad, putting additional pressure on the remaining players.
The first leg of this semifinal ended in a tense 1-1 draw, with Tigres failing to capitalize on their home advantage. Juan José Purata opened the scoring for Tigres, but Rodolfo Rotondi equalized for Cruz Azul, giving the visitors a valuable away goal. With the stakes this high, both teams know that every moment counts.
Cruz Azul, under the leadership of Vicente Sánchez, is also dealing with absences. Gonzalo Piovi will not participate due to muscle discomfort, further complicating their strategy. Nevertheless, they have a potent weapon in Ángel Sepúlveda, who leads the tournament with eight goal contributions, including six goals and two assists. His performance will be crucial as Cruz Azul looks to secure their place in the final.
The match promises to be a nail-biter, especially with the knowledge that if the score remains tied after 90 minutes, the game will go into extra time and potentially a penalty shootout. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as both teams vie for a spot in the finals.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM CDMX (10:00 PM ET), with the game broadcast live in Mexico on Tubi and in the U.S. on TUDN, VIX, and Fox Sports Telemundo.
As the players prepare to take the field, the anticipation builds. Will Tigres break their finals drought and return to glory, or will Cruz Azul emerge victorious and continue their journey toward the title? All eyes will be on the Estadio Olímpico Universitario as these two giants of Mexican football clash in what promises to be an unforgettable match.
With the teams now confirmed, here’s how they are expected to line up:
Tigres: Nahuel Guzmán, Joaquim Henrique, Juan Purata, Juan Pablo Vigón, Fernando Gorriarán, Nicolás Ibáñez, Juan Brunetta, Diego Lainez, Sebastián Córdova, Javier Aquino, and Jesús Angulo.
Cruz Azul: Kevin Mier, Jorge Sánchez, Willer Ditta, Jesús Orozco, Erick Lira, Lorenzo Faravelli, Ángel Sepúlveda, Ignacio Rivero, Carlos Rodríguez, Gabriel Fernández, and Rodolfo Rotondi.
The road to the finals is fraught with challenges, but both teams are ready to give it their all. The atmosphere in the stadium is sure to be electric, as fans rally behind their teams in this crucial matchup.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the excitement is palpable. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of wills? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher.
