In a tense encounter at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Tigres UANL and Club Puebla faced off on April 4, 2025, in what turned out to be a gripping yet goalless draw, ending 0-0. This match was crucial for both teams as they navigated the Liga MX Clausura Tournament's 14th matchday.
Despite the lack of goals, the match was filled with action, with both teams creating several scoring opportunities. Tigres, under the guidance of coach Guido Pizarro, came into the match aiming to close the gap on the league leaders, Club América, who currently sit atop the standings. With 26 points, Tigres was in fifth place and needed a win to enhance their playoff aspirations.
Puebla, on the other hand, found themselves in a precarious situation, battling relegation as they sat in penultimate position with just eight points. The team, coached by Pablo Guede, had suffered five consecutive defeats in the league and desperately sought to turn their fortunes around. The stakes were high, not only for pride but also to avoid hefty fines associated with relegation.
The match kicked off with both teams showcasing their strategies. Puebla fielded a 3-5-2 formation, with Julio González in goal, supported by a defensive line comprising Emanuel Gularte, Juan Manuel Fedorco, and Efrain Orona. In midfield, Gustavo Ferrareis, José Pachuca, Brayan Angulo, Jorge Rodríguez, and Franco Moyano aimed to control the game, while Ricardo Marín and Emiliano Gómez led the attack.
Tigres opted for a 4-4-2 setup, featuring Nahuel Guzmán as their goalkeeper, backed by Rômulo, Juan José Purata, Osvaldo Rodríguez, and Vladimir Loroña in defense. The midfield comprised Fernando Gorriarán, Marcelo Flores, Bernardo Parra, and Jesús Garza, while Nicolás Ibáñez and Ozziel Herrera were tasked with finding the net.
As the match progressed, Tigres dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances into goals. In the first half, they had several close attempts, including a powerful shot from Ozziel Herrera that was saved by González. Puebla's defense held firm, with González emerging as a standout performer, making crucial saves throughout the match.
In the 63rd minute, Puebla came close to breaking the deadlock when Efraín Orona's header narrowly missed the target, brushing past Guzmán's post. Moments later, Tigres had a potential penalty claim when they felt a foul occurred in the box, but the referee and VAR opted not to award a penalty, much to the frustration of the Tigres players.
The second half saw both teams make tactical changes to try and secure a win. Tigres brought on Juan Brunetta and Diego Lainez to inject fresh energy into their attack. However, despite their best efforts, they could not find the back of the net. Puebla also made substitutions, including Facundo Waller and Sebastián Olmedo, in an effort to bolster their attack.
As the clock ticked down, the intensity of the match heightened. Tigres continued to press for a goal, with Nicolás Ibáñez and Ozziel Herrera both having chances that were thwarted by González. The Puebla goalkeeper's performance was critical, as he denied multiple shots on target, showcasing his skills and keeping his team in the game.
With the match entering its final minutes, Tigres pushed hard for a winner, but Puebla's defense held strong, and the game concluded in a 0-0 stalemate. This result left Tigres in fifth place with 26 points, while Puebla remained in a dire situation, accumulating just nine points and sitting in 17th place.
The match highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams. Tigres, while still in contention for the playoffs, will need to find their scoring touch in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Puebla must regroup quickly to avoid relegation, as they face another tough opponent in their next match against León.
As both teams look ahead, the draw at Estadio Cuauhtémoc serves as a reminder of the fierce competition in Liga MX and the stakes involved for every team as the season approaches its climax.
