Things get heated as La Maquina defeat Tigres in penalties to clinch a spot in the Copa por Mexico final
Cruz Azul and Tigres played a highly competitive match for 90 minutes that saw the team from Northern Mexico dominate most of the first half, but then Los Cementeros took over the game in the second half. It would not be until late in the game, however, after several dangerous opportunities on Nahuel Guzman’s goal that Robert Dante Siboldi’s squad was able to get on the scoreboard.
It was evident that both sides came into the match well prepared and extremely cautious of their opponent. El Tuca Ferretti’s side appeared to be more dominant and kept the majority of the possession for the first 20 to 30 minutes of the game. Luis Quiñones’ header in the 35th minute of the game broke the nil-nil score and gave the team from Nuevo Leon a little breathing room. The teams went to the locker with the “visitors” up 1-0, but Siboldi’s team came out of firing on all cylinders.
La Maquina regained control of the ball and the game and created several threatening plays near Guzman’s goal. Tigres at times looked a little lost, but the clock was in their favor. Finally, in stoppage time, the Mexico City squad was able to find the back of the net with a goal on a set-piece. Igor Lichnovsky’s header sent the game to penalties, and that’s where Andrés Gudiño took the spot-light away from everyone else by blocking two crucial penalties.
Cruz Azul went on to defeat Tigres 4-3 and will now wait for the winner between Chivas vs. America, who plays on Thursday night.
After the game, things got extremely heated, and the video below shows how Guido Pizarro needed to be restrained by this team’s staff, including Tuca, as he was screaming insults at Cruz Azul’s head coach Robert Dante Siboldi. It is unclear what triggered Guido, but posts from social media are speculating that Siboldi was making fun of the players after losing via penalties.
These two are scheduled to meet once again on week 14 of the regular season on Saturday, October 17th at Estadio Azteca.
