Liga MX Apertura - Semi-finals
Cruz Azul 1 - 1 FT Tigres UANL
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
32' Jeremy Márquez
40' ↓ N. Ibanez ↑O. Herrera
HT
↓ J. Marquez ↑L. Faravelli 46'
↓ O. Campos ↑C. Rotondi 46'
A. Correa (Romulo) 61'
↓ J. Sanchez ↑A. Sepulveda 63'
Joaquim 64'
Nahuel Guzmán 65'
67' ↓ J. Brunetta ↑J. Sanchez
↓ J. Orozco ↑G. Piovi 70'
76' G. Fernandez
83' ↓ J. Angulo ↑J. Vigon
↓ J. Paradela ↑L. Romero 83'
87' José Rivero
Jesus Garza 90'+3
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Cruz Azul
Midfielders
N. Guzman 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Garza 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
50%
Duel Win %
Romulo 
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
6.3
Rating
J. Angulo
LATE SHIFT
7
Late Mins
7
Late Mins
83
Total Mins
83
Entry
M. Farfan 
FRIENDLY FIRE
Pen Given
Mistake
Pen Given
Mistake
2
Fouls
6.3
Rating
D. Lainez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Joaquim
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
F. Gorriaran 
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
4
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
J. Brunetta
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
67
Total Mins
67
Entry
A. Correa 
FINISHER
1
Goals
1
Goals
3
Shots
7.7
Rating
N. Ibanez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
40
Total Mins
40
Entry
BENCH
F. Rodriguez 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
J. Sanchez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
23
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Guerrero
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
O. Rodriguez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Vigon
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Aquino
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Flores
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Gignac
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
U. Antuna
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
O. Herrera
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
50
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Tigres UANL
Midfielders
A. Gudino
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
W. Ditta 
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
64%
Pass Acc
E. Lira 
MAGNET
79
Activity
79
Activity
78
Passes
1
Duels
J. Orozco
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
83%
Duel Win %
J. Sanchez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
63
Total Mins
63
Entry
J. Marquez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
C. Rodriguez
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
0
Assists
57%
Pass Acc
O. Campos
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
J. Paradela
LATE SHIFT
7
Late Mins
7
Late Mins
83
Total Mins
83
Entry
I. Rivero 
STORMTROOPER
6
Shots
6
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
G. Fernandez 
CLOSER
1
Late Goals
1
Late Goals
0
Late Assists
75
Minute
BENCH
E. Ochoa
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
G. Piovi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
20
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Rodarte
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
M. Bogusz
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. Faravelli
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Garcia
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. Romero
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
C. Rotondi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Morales
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Sepulveda
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/07/2025 | Tigres UANL | 1 - 1 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Universitario |
| 12/04/2025 | Cruz Azul | 1 - 1 | Tigres UANL | Liga MX | Estadio Azteca |
| 10/05/2025 | Tigres UANL | 1 - 1 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Universitario |
| 05/02/2025 | Cruz Azul | 1 - 0 | Tigres UANL | CONCACAF Champions League | Estadio Olímpico Universitario |
12/07/2025
12/04/2025
10/05/2025
05/02/2025
Cruz Azul Win
Tigres UANL Win
Draw
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Semi-Final Stalemate: Cruz Azul and Tigres Trade Blows at the Azteca
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 59/100. A relentless attacking display from the hosts met stubborn resistance from the visitors, leaving this semi-final entirely in the balance ahead of the return leg.
Opening Act
The atmosphere at Estadio Azteca was electric as the teams stepped onto the pitch for this crucial first leg. Sitting second in the league, Cruz Azul immediately stamped their authority on the contest. The Stakes were unmistakably high, and the home side responded by suffocating their opponents from the first whistle. They dictated the tempo, controlling possession with a staggering 68% of the ball. The hosts were relentless, probing the penalty area and firing off a barrage of attempts. Their 19 total shots painted a picture of absolute territorial command, keeping the visiting backline pinned deep inside their own half. However, despite the constant wave of pressure, the breakthrough remained elusive in the opening phases, leaving the door slightly ajar for a clinical counter-attack.
The Pivot
The defining turn arrived in the 61st minute, proving that efficiency often trumps sheer volume. After absorbing endless waves of pressure, Tigres UANL launched a decisive strike. Romulo threaded a perfect pass to A. Correa, who ruthlessly found the back of the net. The goal introduced a massive Upset Factor to the tie, shocking the home faithful. Yet, the hosts refused to panic. Their response showcased raw Intensity as they immediately ramped up their attacking tempo even further. The sustained pressure finally broke the visitors' discipline inside their own box, resulting in a crucial penalty call just fifteen minutes later.
Resolution
Stepping up to the spot in the 76th minute, G. Fernandez delivered under immense pressure, converting the penalty to level the score at 1-1. This crucial equalizer restored the Balance of the semi-final tie, ensuring the hosts were rewarded for their relentless attacking output. With 27 combined shots across the ninety minutes, it was an exhausting, high-octane battle that thoroughly lived up to its pre-match billing. The final whistle means everything is still to play for. Both squads must now quickly recover and prepare for the decisive second leg on December 7th, where a spot in the grand final will finally be claimed.
Key Questions
What does this mean for Cruz Azul's season?
They must secure a favorable aggregate result away at Tigres on December 7th to keep their championship hopes alive and reach the final.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
Azteca Awaits a Semi-Final Showdown
Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 72/100. The margin for error is non-existent as two heavyweights begin their high-stakes battle for a spot in the grand final.
The Setup
The Stakes simply do not get higher. Cruz Azul welcome Tigres UANL to the historic Estadio Azteca this December 04, 2025, for the first leg of this crucial semi-final tie. The hosts boast formidable Form, having built an unbeaten run in their last five league outings while cementing second place in the standings. Tigres, despite a more erratic recent record, thrive when the lights shine brightest, possessing a knack for knockout football. With the return leg scheduled for December 7th, finding the right Balance between attacking intent and defensive solidity tonight is paramount.
Key Battle
Midfield supremacy will dictate the flow. Carlos Rodríguez operates as the creative hub for Cruz Azul, having already registered three recent assists. He goes head-to-head with Tigres' maestro Juan Brunetta, who matches him with three assists of his own. These Stars will test the structural integrity of both defensive setups all night long.
Our Prediction
We expect a cagey but intense stalemate. Cruz Azul will push hard in front of their home crowd, but Tigres will sit deep and strike effectively on the counter. A 1-1 draw seems the most likely outcome, leaving everything to play for in the decisive second leg.