Tigres UANL will face FC Cincinnati at the Estadio Universitario on March 11, 2025, at 20:30 (Mexico Central Time) for the second leg of the Concachampions 2025 round of 16, after the teams drew 1-1 during the first leg. With the aggregate score tied, Tigres now eyes victory to secure their passage to the quarterfinals.
Managing the team is Guido Pizarro, who has noticeably enhanced Tigres' performance since taking over. For this decisive clash, Pizarro is expected to field the same starting eleven who recently defeated Querétaro 1-0. Key players like Nicolás Ibáñez, who scored the winning goal against Querétaro, are expected to play pivotal roles. His impactful performance will be under the spotlight as he leads the attack.
FC Cincinnati, on the other hand, will arrive with some momentum, having recently clinched a 2-0 victory over Toronto. Cincinnati aims to exploit any openings Tigres may leave, especially as both teams contend with playoff pressures. Cincinnati must aim to score to advance, as they would be eliminated with any draw containing more than one goal.
The match's stakes are clear; Tigres can qualify for the next phase with either a win or by drawing 0-0. An aggregate score of 1-1 will push the match to extra time, where penalties could become necessary if no team secures victory. Fans are eagerly awaiting the match, knowing Tigres' home advantage at Estadio Universitario is formidable, having not lost there since the 2019 edition of the tournament.
The expected Tigres lineup includes: Nahuel Guzmán, Javier Aquino, Joaquim, Juan Purata, Jesús Angulo, Jesús Garza, Rafael Carioca, Juan Brunetta, Sebastián Córdova, Marcelo Flores, and Nicolás Ibáñez as their focused forward. Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati is anticipated to present: Roman Celentano, Gilberto Flores, Miles Robinson, Teenage Hadebe, DeAndre Yedlin, Obinna Nwobodo, Pavel Bucha, Lukas Engel, Evander, Luca Orellano, and Kévin Denkey.
Tigres will need to address its defensive formation strategically, ensuring they ward off any threats from Cincinnati's offense, which has shown recent effectiveness. The clash on March 11 will fundamentally shape both teams' continental ambitions, with the winner set to meet either LA Galaxy or Herediano, the latter currently leading their series 1-0.
For fans wishing to follow the match, it will not be available on traditional broadcast but can be viewed via Tubi or the Concacaf’s official YouTube channel—an indication of the need for alternative viewing options as ticket sales and attendance are expected to surge due to the competitive setting.
With kick-off approaching, the atmosphere at Estadio Universitario is expected to be charged with anticipation. Tigres fans will be hoping for another home advantage to propel their team toward the coveted quarterfinals and potentially another Concachampions title, previously claimed by Tigres during the 2020 edition.
This match not only matters for team progression but also symbolizes the highly competitive nature of North American soccer as Tigres strives to uphold its reputation against Major League Soccer teams like FC Cincinnati. For now, the focus remains on tactical plays, strong defenses, and the potent attacks from both sides.