In a high-stakes LIGA MX clash, Tigres UANL edged out Club Puebla in a match that had significant implications for Inter Miami CF. The game was marked by a red card, spectacular saves from both teams, and Puebla ultimately being eliminated from Leagues Cup.
Tigres, one of Mexico's most successful teams in the past decade, welcomed back star goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán, who had been sidelined since March 9 due to injury and disciplinary action. They still fielded a formidable lineup understanding that they didn’t necessarily need to win this match featuring André-Pierre Gignac and Sebastián Córdova.
The match got off to a quick start with Córdova finding the net just two minutes in, putting Puebla on the back foot early.
Despite the early setback, Puebla equalized with a stunning long-range strike from Diego de Buen, showcasing they understood they needed to go blow for blow with the mexican powerhouses in this match. The first half ended in a deadlock, with both teams trading blows and yellow cards.
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The second half saw Puebla pushing forward aggressively, knowing that only a win within 90 minutes would secure their place in the knockout rounds. Puebla’s situation became more desperate when Lucas Cavallini, a former Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Canada Men’s National Team player, received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 70th minute, leaving his team to fight with 10 men.
Guzmán made several crucial saves to keep the match level, and Tigres eventually broke the deadlock. Diego Reyes scored off a corner kick, sealing Puebla’s fate and diminishing their hopes of advancing. Puebla needed two goals in the final five minutes, but couldn't overcome the deficit.
“It’s the first game, it's always difficult to start,” said Tigres coach Veljko Paunović. “I believe that from the beginning that this game was a final. Knowing that if we win this game we move on to the next round.”
This result sets the stage for a highly anticipated match between Inter Miami and Tigres on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium. Miami will likely be without Lionel Messi, but Tigres — led by Gignac — will face a strong lineup featuring stars like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
The outcome will determine the knockout round host locations, with Inter Miami playing at home and Tigres heading to either Austin FC's Q2 Stadium or Toronto FC's BMO Field.
The battle continues as teams vie for their places in the knockout stages, with every match carrying weight for placement.
