LIGA MX Reigns Supreme as Tigres beat LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions League Final
As the record shows and number do not lie, there was still speculation that MLS is now the dominant force of the CONCACAF. Tigres came into the picture and just proved that LIGA MX is still king. They defended the honor of three fallen Mexican teams that were victims to Carlos Vela and the team from California. They Beat LAFC to become the Champions League winners as they get their first title for this tournament in the club’s history. Let’s break down tonight’s matchup.
A dominant start to LAFC in the first half as they were the superior team on the pitch. More possession of the ball and creating those chances that put a lot of pressure on the defense and the goalkeeper. But with all the means to score came what seemed to many the odd part of the match. The ref would refuse to bring out the yellow card even after so many fouls were committed in the first half. A total of 26 fouls were made on the pitch, 12 by Tigres and 14 by LAFC, and none of them were considered dangerous enough for a yellow card according to the ref. There was one instance where Blessing was fouled in the box and the ref stated no foul. This is how that match was going and it was evident he would eventually lose control of it.
Carlos Vela was in fact a target tonight as he kept getting isolated on the pitch and getting fouled constantly. That did not stop the Mexican from getting into the box and getting the ball where it needed to go through his passing. He had several instances that could have ended up in a goal but fell short. It was just not Velas night to score. After three minutes of added time, the whistle was blown and the score was zero-zero.
Tigres Stuns LA
This was due or die for both teams in the second half. Coming in with a scoreless board it’s anyone’s match at this point. Bob Bradly and Tuca were certain in their team and both knew what this win would mean to their club. LAFC showed that at the 61st minute where the Uruguayan Diego Rossi opened up the board with a beautiful touch that landed over the goalie and into the net. The assist came from Mark Anthony Kaye.
Apparently, winning meant more to the Mexican side because the shift turned and Tigres was starting to get in on the attacking action. In the 72nd minute of the match, Hugo Ayala ties the match with a solid header that passes through everyone following a corner. Things were now heating up as time was running out. André-Pierre Gignac knew this and being the top scorer of the tournament there was no way he would walk out of the final without scoring a goal. He sealed LAFC’s fate at the 84th minute of the match with a right-footed shot from outside of the box to the bottom right corner making the score two-one. The final whistle blew and Tigres UANL were crowned the CONCACAF Champions League Winners. With this victory, they seal a ticket to the Club World Cup tournament that will be hosted in February.
