Battling extreme heat and a down a player, San Luis avoids defeat vs defending Champs

From a sultry Estadio Alfonso Lastras, Atletico de San Luis played host to the defending Liga MX Champions, Los Tigres UANL. After two consecutive wins, Los Felinos were building momentum and points. Unfortunately for Tigres, San Luis was not going to roll over and play dead.

San Luis keeper, Carlos Felipe Rodríguez, was tested several times during the first half. The Tigres were looking to capitalize on every opportunity, which produced a handful of corner kicks.

Due to the extreme heat, the game took a five-minute water break to prevent the players from overheating. The energy and level of competition did not suffer and resulted in a well-fought first half.

Tigres’ skipper, Tuca Ferretti, went into the locker rooms upset that the line judges took several seconds after the play to call offsides on various occasions.

Los Tuneros started the second half with quick counter-attacks putting the pressure on the defending champs. Without a score, Tuca Ferretti was extremely vocal and demanded more from his player and the refs.

During the second water break, the refs reviewed a previous foul and awarded Camilo Mayada, from San Luis, a red card. Disoriented and a man down, Los Tuneros let their guard down with an own goal off a set play in the 77th minute.

In the 80th minute, San Luis quickly recovered and found the equalizer by capitalizing on a counter-attack direct blast by Germán Berterame. Tigres could not pull away, and both teams ended with a point each.

Tigres are scheduled to face Club America twice next week, Tuesday in the Leagues Cup and next Saturday in Liga MX matchday six. As for Atletico San Luis, they will be slotted to face a struggling Veracruz this upcoming Friday.