Pumas and Tigres drew 2-2 in the first leg of the quarterfinals in the Liguilla, a result that benefits Tigres because of the tw away goals as well as the actions of the game. Tigres took the lead twice and had the better of the game, although Pumas had some bright moments at times. The next leg will be a tough road game for Pumas, who now needs a win to go through.
Pumas headed into today's game as the underdog and were facing the team that broke their undefeated streak at home in the regular season. Just like in their previous encounter, Ismael Sosa broke the heart of his old teammates and fans and scored the first goal of the game.
With the early lead and playing on the road, Tigres did what was expected of a Tuca Ferreti team and sat back. Pumas had the ball but Tigres had the better chances, especially when Javier Aquino hit the post and Dario Veron made a wonderful save off Andre Pierre Gignac after the rebound.
Later, as Pumas had more chances, a shot bounced off Juninho's hand and Pumas got a penalty kick that Pablo Barrera converted.
The second half had Tigres play the counter and a great individual play from Jurgen Damm ended up with the second goal from Tigres.
Once again, Tigres sat back, while Pumas had the ball but couldn't do much with it. Unexpectedly, though, a ball fell to Fidel Martinez, who just beat the offside trap and was able to score.
After the goal, Pumas did take control of the game for the first time, but the chances didn't happen and that was the end result.
Tigres made a great recovery from the defeat to Queretaro in their final regular season game and they have everything to look forward against Pumas. Pumas historically has a bad time in the city of Monterrey, and they are severely lacking against Tigres in terms of players.
Still, after all that has happened in the season, it's an achievement that they are even in here. Plus, the fact Queretaro was able to beat Tigres as recently as a week ago may mean that it's not an impossible feat. But make no mistake, Tigres is the favorite and are in the driver's seat now.