Tigres UANL has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup after defeating FC Cincinnati 3-1 on March 11, 2025. The Mexican club completed the second leg of their Round of 16 matchup with a 4-2 aggregate win, moving forward with determination and skill.
The game, played at the Estadio Universitario, showcased Tigres' resilience as they overcame an early deficit. FC Cincinnati struck first, with Evander scoring a stunning goal just 18 minutes in, capitalizing on a slick assist from teammate Luca Orellano. The away team’s early lead put the pressure squarely on Tigres, who needed to respond quickly to avoid elimination.
Halftime saw the score stand at 1-0 for Cincinnati, creating tension and anticipation among the Tigres fans. It was evident the home side needed to step up their game to keep their title hopes alive. Their coach, Guido Pizarro, urged his players to rally, knowing well they were still within reach of progression.
After the break, Tigres came out swinging. The turning point arrived at the 64th minute when Ozziel Herrera equalized, scoring through a well-placed shot after receiving assistance from Juan Brunetta. This goal shifted the momentum back to the home team. Tigres' fans erupted, igniting the atmosphere at the Volcán.
The home side wasn’t done yet. Just five minutes later, Juan Brunetta added to the tally with another quick strike, putting Tigres firmly in control. Nicolás Ibañez then sealed the match for Tigres with another goal at the 72nd minute, delivering the final blow to Cincinnati’s dreams of advancement.
The result meant Tigres UANL had vanquished FC Cincinnati 3-1 for the second leg and secured their passage to the quarterfinals with the aggregate score reading 4-2. This victory not only showcased Tigres’ offensive capabilities but highlighted their adaptability and resolve under pressure.
Following the game, Pizarro praised his team’s determination, saying, "We displayed the character needed to win. The players executed beautifully, particularly after facing early adversity."
For Cincinnati, this match served as both a learning experience and setback. Despite their ambitious start, the squad couldn’t maintain their lead against Tigres’ relentless attack. Coach Pat Noonan noted, "Our performance was strong initially, but we need to learn to manage leads more effectively." The loss left FC Cincinnati eliminated from the tournament, marking their exit with a mixed record against Liga MX opponents now standing at 3-3-2.
Attendance for this dramatic match was 27,992, as Tigres fans filled the stands, urging their team on to victory. With this win, Tigres’ campaign continues, and they now await to learn who their next opponent will be in the tournament. They are set to face the winner of the match between LA Galaxy and CS Herediano, also competing at this stage of the tournament.
The match also highlighted notable individual performances. For Tigres, Ozziel Herrera proved to be pivotal, scoring the equalizer and assisting Brunetta’s goal. This stood out as part of his broader success this season, with his contributions proving invaluable for the club.
Looking forward, FC Cincinnati will shift their focus back to Major League Soccer, returning to play against Charlotte FC on March 15, 2025. This resumption of league play will involve regrouping and building upon the lessons learned from their Concacaf exit. Cincinnati remains confident, holding strong intentions to capitalize on their form as they head back to domestic competition.
Overall, the second leg clash served up both dramatic moments and tactical battles, reflecting the fierce competitive nature of the Concacaf Champions Cup. With Tigres advancing and Cincinnati reflecting on missed opportunities, the stakes continue to rise as the tournament progresses.