CONCACAF Champions League Preview: Tigres vs NYCFC
The CONCACAF Champions League finally makes its return and resumes right where it left off in early March but this time all remaining teams are now playing in a bubble at Orlando Florida.
First Leg was 9 months ago…
The Tigres UANL vs NYCFC match was one of three series matchups in the quarterfinals that were able to play the first leg of their series before the soccer world stopped because of COVID-19. The match took place on March 11th in New York City, NY at the Yankee Stadium, with Los Felinos taking a 1-0 victory with an important away goal at the 92nd minute by Eduardo Vargas.
3 Things To Watch For Today’s Matchup Preview
1. Will the 2+ weeks of game inactivity be a factor?
In the first leg of their quarterfinals matchup New York City FC had a stellar performance creating opportunities from both sides of the wings. A surprise to many spectators as the MLS was in its early stages of the season which usually means teams are still trying to knock off the offseason rust.
On the other hand, Tigres was coming into the first leg in midseason form as the Liga MX was in its middle stages of the season. Although on the field it was not as evident this could’ve been a deciding factor as NYCFC was unable to capitalize on their vast opportunities and Los Felinos needed only one to knock the ball into the net and take an important away goal into the 2nd leg.
Now both teams come into this matchup having finished their season a little less than a month ago. With the team from New York a week more than Tigres. The inactivity of both teams could possibly benefit NYCFC, as not having a striker like André-Pierre Gignac on the other side in midseason form or full playoff mode might cause Los Felinos to play with less motivation.
2. Can Tigres Finally Reach The Top Of This Tournament?
One of the powerhouses in the Liga MX the past decade, Tigres has hoisted the league title 5 times. Although they have had national success an international trophy has eluded them to match. Los Felinos have been to the final stage of the CONCACAF Champions League in 3 of the last 4 editions. The latest one being the closest they have been and also for many fans the toughest pill to swallow as they lost 2-1 aggregate to their inner-city rival Rayados de Monterrey. Can El Tuca, Gignac, and company finally raise the trophy and claim international success.
3. COVID and Injuries
Up until the publication of this article, it was known that New York City FC had three positive COVID-19 results ahead of today’s match, which caused them to fly into Orlando this morning instead of their previously scheduled Sunday evening time. One of New York’s player’s who did not test positive but will be missing due to being in close contact with a positive case is goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
As if that wasn’t enough the team from the big apple will also be missing midfielder Alexander Ring a staple in their midfield who just underwent knee surgery.
Tigres on the other hand will be missing players Julián Quiñones and Jordan Sierra from their roster due to injuries.
You can catch the matchup which is set to start at 10:30 pm ET/ 7:30 pm PT on FS1 in English and on TUDN in Spanish.
