Tigres UANL secured their place in the final of the MX League’s Apertura 2025 Tournament after drawing 1-1 with Cruz Azul at the Universitario Stadium, a result that left the tie at 2-2 but favored the Monterrey-based team thanks to their better position in the table during the regular phase.
The team, which this year incorporated Argentine world champion Ángel Correa as one of its top players, will now seek the title against Toluca, the reigning Mexican soccer champion.
Tigres advances to the final
Argentine Juan Brunetta was in charge of opening the scoring for Tigres at minute 27, after receiving a precise pass from the historic French striker André-Pierre Gignac.
The move came after Tigres withstood a complicated first half, in which Cruz Azul dominated through speed and depth, especially with the arrivals of Ángel Sepúlveda and Uruguayan striker Gabriel “Toro” Fernández.
Although the visitors generated several clear options, the goal fell to the feline side in a well-executed counterattack.
Cruz Azul had a chance to level the score in the second half, when Brazilian Rómulo committed a foul inside the area and the referee awarded a penalty kick in favor of the capital team.
Fernández took the ball in the 71st minute, but his shot was saved by Argentine goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán, one of the most experienced players in the squad.
The decision proved to be decisive, as Cruz Azul was unable to recover emotionally after the save.
The night was further complicated for the Azules when defender Jesús Orozco suffered a serious injury in the 89th minute, forcing the team to close the game a man down.
However, Cruz Azul found one last chance in stoppage time: in 90+5 minutes, Juan Purata scored an own goal to make the score 1-1.
Despite the draw, the Cementeros were unable to reverse the aggregate score, and the better position in the table rule gave Tigres the ticket.
For Hispanic fans who follow Liga MX closely from the United States – where Tigres, Cruz Azul and Toluca have large fan communities – this final represents an attractive duel between two of the country’s most consistent clubs.
Tigres will be looking to win its ninth league title, which would enable it to catch up with Cruz Azul in the historical number of championships.
Toluca, on the other hand, arrives inspired after winning the Clausura 2025, consolidating its position as one of the most competitive teams in recent years.
The final of the Apertura 2025 will be crucial not only for Tigres’ aspirations, but also for Ángel Correa ‘s projection in Liga MX, as the Argentine player is in his first season in Mexican football and has become a key player in the Monterrey attack.
Filed under: Tigres advances to the finals
