Tigres and America split points in Ochoa’s return
In what some have controversially dubbed the “Rivalry of the Decade”, Club America faced Tigres for the second time in 5 days this time at the Estadio Universitario in Monterrey. America was looking to avenge their mid-week loss in penalties during the Leagues Cup semi-finals and remain undefeated in their current Liga MX tournament.
The game began with both teams looking to find their rhythm. The pitch was soaked in certain parts of the field and you could see players losing their footing and slipping when moving around. The momentum of the game slowly shifted in Tigres’ favor in the 25th minute, culminating in a Luis Quiñones strike past Guillermo Ochoa.
America’s night would continue to look bleak as Andrés Ibargüen would be substituted at the 28th minute after an apparent injury. Quiñones would have another chance at goal at the 30th minute but this time his long-range hit the top of the crossbar. The half would end 1-0 in Tigres’ favor.
Club America would even up the score after clawing their way back into the game after halftime. Roger Martinez assisted Francisco Córdova who from the middle of the box, launched a strike to beat Tigres’ goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán and make it 1-1.
After Cordova’s goal, neither team was able to create meaningful chances at goal and the game would end in a draw. America, while not happy with the result, should be lauded for their courageous second-half performance.
Liga MX action will resume this upcoming Tuesday. Club America will host Los Tuzos de Pachuca, and for their part Tigres UANL will travel to Guadalajara to visit Atlas.
