MONTERREY, Mexico — The Estadio Universitario roared to life on April 23 as Tigres UANL hosted Cruz Azul in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. Fans packed the stands, their chants echoing through the humid night air, as two Mexican soccer giants battled for a crucial edge in this high-stakes knockout tie. The match, broadcast live across Mexico on Azteca 7 and streamed on Tubi, marked a pivotal moment in the race for the regional crown and a coveted spot in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Tigres, playing on their home turf, came out swinging. Coach Robert Dante Siboldi fielded a near-full-strength squad, with Joaquim Pereira and Javier Aquino back in the lineup after recovering from injuries. Only Ozziel Herrera remained sidelined, still nursing a knock that kept him out of training. The home side’s game plan was clear: press high, control the midfield, and lean on the volcanic energy of their supporters. Midfielder Rómulo took the anchor role, while Rafael Carioca, a usual starter, watched from the bench—a tactical curveball that had fans buzzing.
Cruz Azul, meanwhile, arrived in Monterrey riding a wave of momentum. The Mexico City outfit, dubbed “La Máquina” for their relentless style, landed at the airport to a hero’s welcome from traveling fans. Their recent form made them the team to beat, with a string of wins showcasing their attacking flair and defensive grit. Coach Martín Anselmi stuck with his trusted lineup, banking on speed and precision to crack Tigres’ backline.
The game itself was a slugfest. Tigres struck first, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to take the lead midway through the first half. Cruz Azul, undeterred, clawed their way back, leveling the score late in the game with a clinical finish that silenced the home crowd. The 1-1 draw left everything to play for in the return leg at Estadio Azteca. Both teams traded blows but couldn’t find a winner, setting up a do-or-die clash in Mexico City on April 30.
The broadcast on Azteca 7, confirmed days earlier as a free-to-air event, drew millions of viewers across Mexico. It was a rare treat for fans, with Concacaf Champions Cup matches often locked behind paywalls. The move ensured that households from Tijuana to Mérida could tune in, amplifying the match’s reach and fueling barroom debates nationwide.
Cruz Azul now holds a slight advantage, with the second leg on their home pitch. Tigres, however, have the away goal in their pocket—a potential tiebreaker that could haunt La Máquina if the aggregate score stays tight. The winner of this semifinal will face either Columbus Crew or Club América in the final, with a shot at continental glory and a ticket to the global stage.
The return leg is scheduled for April 30 at Estadio Azteca. Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM local time, with Azteca 7 again providing live coverage.