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Less than a month after their defeat to Tigres in the Apertura Final, America revisit el Volcan on Saturday seeking revenge and their first three points of the season.
As the two teams that played the final last season, America and Tigres have had less time to prepare for the opening games of the Clausura tournament. Last week, America lost their season opener 2-1 against Toluca, while Tigres lost to Atlas 2-0.
During the middle of the week, America gained some extra practice before their Saturday tilt with a 3-2 win over Santos Laguna.
Both teams enter this rematch with notable absences. Tigres must play without their starting goalkeeper and heroe of last tournament’s final, Nahuel Guzman. Earlier in the week, Tigres personnel discarded Guzman from the game’s active roster because of a hand injury. On the Aguilas side, its most recent pickup, Cecilo Dominguez didn’t make the trip to Monterrey. The Paraguayan striker won’t log official minutes until next week, according to team president Ricardo Peláez.
Though its figure goal scorers Oribe Peralta, Silvio Romero and Darwin Quintero scored against Santos, Miky Arroyo has shown a return to form. In two consecutive games, Arroyo has scored for las Aguilas.
Over a three-game span, America has not defeated Tigres, with a loss on penalties in the final, a draw in the first leg of the final, and a 3-0 defeat in the regular season at home. Not since the 2015-2016 CONCACAF Champions League has America defeated Tigres at home.
America’s largest threat comes in the form of Tigres superstar Andre-Pierre Gignac. Over the last three games against America, the French international has scored two goals. On the defensive side, Tigres has conceded two goals, while las Aguilas have allowed five goals against the felinos.
Though the game arrives in just Week 3 of the competition, there is an underlying excitement about this match. Depending on the outcome, America could gage their proximity to the level of play they hope to achieve.
Match date/time: Saturday 8:00 pm EST, 7:00pm local
Venue: Estadio Universitario, San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico
TV: Univision (US- Spanish), Univision Deportes Network (US - Spanish), Canal de las Estrellas (Mexico), Sky HD (Mexico), TDN (Mexico), SKY Planeta Fútbol (Mexico)
Streaming: fuboTV (Free trial + monthly subscription)