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Tigres UANL vs. Necaxa: A Dramatic Liga MX Quarterfinal Showdown
The Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinals delivered nail-biting action, and the Tigres UANL versus Necaxa clash was no exception. This article recaps the thrilling second leg, highlighting key moments and looking ahead to the semifinals.
The Electrifying Second Leg at Estadio Universitario
Following a goalless first leg, the May 11th, 2025, match at Estadio Universitario promised fireworks. Tigres, playing at home, aimed to secure their semifinal berth. Necaxa, however, had other plans. The first half ended scoreless, a tense stalemate that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams had opportunities, but the deadlock remained.
The second half exploded into action. Tigres broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute with a stunning goal from Juan Brunetta. The celebrations were short-lived, however. Necaxa, showing incredible resilience, equalized in the 82nd minute through Agustín Palavecino, tying the aggregate score. With extra time looming, Tomas Badaloni rose to the occasion, scoring a spectacular header in the 86th minute, assisted by Emilio Lara. This goal sealed a dramatic 2-1 aggregate victory for Necaxa, sending Tigres home.
- Key Moments: Brunetta's opening goal, Palavecino's equalizer, and Badaloni's winning header.
- Tigres' Strong Performance: Despite the loss, Tigres controlled possession and created chances, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
- Necaxa's Resilience: Their comeback demonstrated their fighting spirit and tactical flexibility.
Necaxa's Tactical Masterclass
Necaxa's coach, Nicolás Larcamón, deserves immense credit for his tactical brilliance. His strategy of pressing high and exploiting spaces in Tigres' attacking style proved highly effective. The attacking trio of José Paradela, Palavecino, and Badaloni relentlessly pressured Tigres' defense. Defensively, Necaxa was exceptionally organized, with Alexis Peña delivering a standout performance. Peña's crucial interceptions and clearances thwarted Tigres' attacking threats, neutralizing the likes of André-Pierre Gignac and Sebastián Córdova.
Even with Tigres dominating possession, Necaxa's defensive cohesion proved insurmountable. While Nahuel Guzmán, Tigres' goalkeeper, made significant saves, Necaxa's overall defensive strategy was the key to their victory.
The Road Ahead: Semifinals and Beyond
Necaxa's hard-fought victory propels them into the Liga MX semifinals 2025 against Club América, who defeated Pachuca 2-0. This promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams. The other semifinal pairing features Toluca, who advanced on away goals after a dramatic 4-4 aggregate draw against Monterrey.
- Semifinal Matchups: Necaxa vs. Club América and Toluca vs. Monterrey.
- High Stakes: The semifinals will determine which teams compete for the Liga MX trophy.
- Necaxa's Opportunity: This is a significant chance for Necaxa to reach their first final in years.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Chapter in Liga MX History
Necaxa's stunning upset victory over Tigres UANL is a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess. Their journey to the semifinals showcases the unpredictable nature of Liga MX and promises more electrifying matches in the weeks to come. For Tigres UANL, while this is a disappointing end, they can take pride in their performance throughout the tournament. The Liga MX Clausura 2025 semifinals are set to be unforgettable, with top teams vying for glory. Stay tuned for more updates from VAVEL USA and other trusted sources.
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