Tigres UANL becomes first Leagues Cup finalist after defeating America in penalty shootout
It was a rowdy night by two of Liga MX’s most prominent teams.
Tigres defeated Club América 5-3 in a penalty shootout in front of a sold-out crowd at BBVA Stadium advancing to the Leagues Cup final.
The humid conditions didn’t stop the fans from filling the stands. With an attendance of 22,532, the home of the Houston Dynamo saw the second-largest crowd in the stadium’s history.
The first goal came in the 14th minute. Jürgen Damm, who is known for his speed crossed the ball in search of Enner Valencia but Pablo Aguilar intercepted the ball, and his deflection ended up sending the ball to the back of the net, scoring an own goal.
A penalty was awarded to Los Azulcremas in the 35th minute after a foul was committed on Roger Martinez by Carlos Salcedo. The penalty was executed by Andrés Ibargüen who placed it in the left bottom corner of the goal.
A mistake by goalie Nahuel Guzman would put America ahead 2-1.
A last-minute own goal by Bruno Valdez in the last play of the game would tie the game and send it to penalties.
Nahuel Guzman was able to redeem himself in the shootout by blocking Las Aguilas’ third shot.
Ferretti’s men will now face Cruz Azul in Las Vegas on Sept. 18 at Sam Boyd Stadium for the Leagues Cup championship.
