Background and Relevance
In the C2025 quarterfinal return leg in Monterrey, Necaxa faces its final opportunity to cap off its best tournament since 2016 or watch Tigres, the seasoned team seeking its ninth title, advance.
Teams’ Recent Performances
At the Estadio Victoria, Necaxa failed to establish a lead that would demonstrate their long wait since last playing in the liguilla. Tigres managed to escape with a scoreless draw.
Necaxa needs to secure a win in the return game on Sunday at the Volcán to reach the semifinal of the Clausura 2025, while Tigres only requires a draw. The last encounter between these teams in Monterrey took place on March 1, with Tigres winning 2-1.
Necaxa finished the regular season as the second-highest scorer (36) after Toluca (41), but now they must prove it in the liguilla.
Key Moments and Controversies
Nahuel Guzmán’s goal kept Tigres alive in the first leg, marking his 500th appearance for the club. However, his performance in Aguascalientes sparked controversy due to alleged handball by Ozziel Herrera during stoppage time, which the referee did not call.
“I would like to publicly denounce the chant issue. This cannot continue. The regulations need to be reviewed, and real decisions must be made by those in charge. It’s a protocol they’ve created, but it harms Mexican football,” said Nahuel Guzmán.
Necaxa’s Strong Finish and Tigres’ Ambitions
Necaxa enters the Volcán with its best performance in eight seasons, having accumulated 43 points in the Apertura 2016 – its best regular-season total since returning to the Primera División in 2016.
“The Volcán is a hot venue, and it’s crucial that the referee team assigned can remain impartial despite the atmosphere,” said Necaxa’s head coach, Nicolás Larcamón.
Tigres last won the Clausura 2023 title, and new head coach Guido Pizarro aims to secure his team’s spot in the semifinals.
Player Insights and Team Dynamics
Tigres displayed strength through Diego Lainez and Marcelo Flores’ wing play. Argentine forward Nicolás Ibañez was under observation to determine if he would be subject to the concussion protocol. Pizarro’s assistant reportedly confirmed Ibañez’s availability for the return match.
“Necaxa played well; Larcamón has significantly improved the club since his arrival. He knows us well, but we can’t underestimate Necaxa. Let’s analyze what we did wrong and prepare for another tough match, as all liguilla games are. Necaxa is a formidable opponent with great players, and we must rise to the challenge. These series are long, and we need to manage them effectively with our experience and hierarchy,” said Argentine midfielder Juan Brunetta.
