Tigres UANL and Cruz Azul are set to square off in the first leg of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, promising an electrifying clash between two of Liga MX’s elite teams. The match will take place at Estadio Universitario in Monterrey, Mexico, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, kicking off at 10:00 PM ET. Both teams arrive at this pivotal moment in the tournament with significant momentum, making this matchup a must-watch for soccer fans across the continent.
Cruz Azul enters the semifinal fueled by their impressive victory over Club América, a win that not only knocked out their fierce rivals but also showcased their resilience and tactical prowess. The team, managed by Vicente Sánchez, has been in solid form, and they will look to build on that success against Tigres. Meanwhile, Tigres UANL is coming off a hard-fought battle against the LA Galaxy, where they secured their semifinal berth with a 3-2 aggregate victory. Both clubs are hungry for silverware, which adds an extra layer of intensity to this encounter.
In the recently concluded Liga MX Clausura 2025 regular season, both teams finished with 33 points, but Cruz Azul edged out Tigres on goal differential, finishing just one goal ahead. This tight competition sets the stage for a thrilling semifinal where every goal could prove crucial. Historically, these two sides have met only twice in knockout competitions over the last 20 years, with each team advancing once, keeping their rivalry finely balanced.
For fans eager to catch the action, the game will be available to watch in the United States on several platforms including Fubo, FS1, TUDN, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, and ViX. Fubo offers a free trial, providing an excellent opportunity for viewers to tune in without a commitment. The match will also be streamed live on YouTube, although viewers in North and Central America will need to use a VPN to access this option.
As for team news, Tigres will be without their star striker André-Pierre Gignac, who has been sidelined with an injury since February. His absence is a significant blow, but head coach Guido Pizarro will be bolstered by the return of Javier Aquino and Ozziel Herrera, who are expected to contribute significantly to the team's attacking options. The squad has shown resilience and depth, with players like Fernando Gorriarán stepping up in crucial moments, as evidenced by his two goals in the recent 2-1 victory over Pumas UNAM.
Cruz Azul, on the other hand, will also face challenges as they will be missing midfielder Lorenzo Faravelli due to a one-match suspension from yellow card accumulation. Additionally, attacking midfielder Luka Romero remains in concussion protocol following a frightening head injury sustained in a recent match against Toluca. However, the return of Gonzalo Piovi in central defense is a boost for Sánchez, allowing Erik Lira to return to his preferred holding midfield role.
The stakes are incredibly high, with both teams looking to secure a place in the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, which will take place on June 1, 2025. The winner will not only earn the coveted trophy but also a substantial financial prize of $5 million and a spot in both the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
As the match approaches, both teams are focusing on their strategies. Tigres will likely aim to exploit the speed of their attackers and take advantage of any defensive lapses from Cruz Azul, who may adopt a more cautious approach given their recent success in knockout competitions. Cruz Azul, known for their solid defense, will look to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities, capitalizing on any mistakes made by Tigres.
In their last five encounters, Tigres has the upper hand with three wins, while Cruz Azul has secured one victory, and there has been one draw. The most recent meeting between the two teams was a thrilling 2-1 victory for Tigres on February 15, 2025, during the Liga MX Clausura 2025 regular season.
As the countdown to the match continues, fans are buzzing with excitement. Will Tigres UANL continue their strong run, or can Cruz Azul capitalize on their recent momentum? One thing is for sure: this semifinal showdown is set to deliver drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises.
With both teams having proven their mettle in the tournament thus far, the first leg of the semifinal promises to be a gripping encounter that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The action kicks off at 10 PM ET on April 23, and soccer enthusiasts around the world will be watching closely to see who takes the first step toward the coveted Champions Cup title.
