Tigres UANL and Pumas UNAM faced off in a friendly match on March 22, 2025, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, yet both teams ended up with a scoreline of 0-0. This match was crucial as both teams prepare for the final stages of the Clausura 2025 season.
Kickoff was at 18:00 local time. Tigres, coached by Guido Pizarro, came into this match seeking to build on previous performances, while Pumas, under Efraín Juárez, aimed to bounce back from a rough patch.
From the start, it was evident that both teams were cautious. The first half unfolded with a series of interruptions due to fouls, but neither side could capitalize on any chances. The referee handed out several yellow cards early, with Loroña from Tigres being cautioned along with Funes Mori from Pumas, who later left the match injured, replaced by Robert Ergas.
As the match progressed, tensions increased, leaving several players with cautions by halftime. Notably, Ignacio Pusetto for Pumas and Fernando Gorriarán for Tigres both received yellow cards, reflecting the hard-fought nature of the encounter.
At the break, the coaches urged their teams to tighten their strategies as the match was still open. "It was a tough game, and both teams tried but could not find the net," reported MARCA MX, summarizing the first 45 minutes where neither team took control.
Returning for the second half, Tigres sought to dominate possession while looking to create more scoring opportunities. Substitutions included key players like Marcelo Flores and Javier Aquino, who attempted numerous plays to break the deadlock. Aquino, in particular, had a chance late in the match but missed a clear opening after a brilliant cross from Diego Lainez.
As the game wore on, the physicality increased. In the 90th minute, the match nearly descended into chaos with a confrontation that prompted the referee to issue additional yellow cards to Fulgencio and Ergas. Ultimately, the proceedings ended with several players feeling the weight of the match’s intensity, but without a goal to show for the effort.
Reflecting on the match afterward, coach Efraín Juárez stated, "We came here to prepare for the final stretch of the tournament," suggesting that despite the lack of goals, the match served its purpose in allowing both teams to assess their standings and make necessary adjustments.
Currently, Tigres sits in third place in the Clausura standings with 25 points, enjoying a three-match victory streak, while Pumas struggles in eleventh place, having secured only one win in their last five games. The implications of this friendly extend beyond a simple scoreline, with both teams honing their play for critical matches ahead.
