The Apertura 2014 semifinals will begin with the first-leg of the Toluca vs Tigres which will be held this Thursday, December 4, 2014 (5:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Nemesio Diez. Both Toluca and Tigres reached this stage of the liguilla by benefiting from their rank on the standings as they each tied their quarterfinals on the aggregate score.
The team coached by Jose Saturnino Cardozo has been is familiar with playing in this stage of the playoffs as they have reached the semifinals in three consecutive seasons. To their misfortune, in the past two instances, they have also failed to reach the final. This Thursday, Toluca will be pressured to prevent another semifinal defeat, therefore expect the Diablos Rojos to play offensively in order to secure a win at home before travelling to the Estadio Universitario next Sunday.
UANL Tigres has played considerably well this season, finished the league in second place, tied in points in 31 with the league leader Club America. The team coached by Tuca Ferreti has enjoyed such joy by playing well on offense, but most importantly, by dominating on defense. That defense however, suffered a harsh blow this mid-week after defender Juninho was injured and will be lost for the next 4-6 months. This Thursday, Tigres will likely style a counter-attacking system in order to obtain at least a tie.
Toluca vs Tigres Prediction
The Toluca vs Tigres first-leg semifinal will be filled with intensity, good defense, and little offensive productivity, Toluca as the home team, will attempt to dominate ball possession, however they will not be successful on the upper-front as Tigres will play on the counter-attack. Nonetheless, Tigres will try to win this one next Sunday, and Toluca will score a goal this Thursday at the Nemesio Diez. The final score in the Toluca vs Tigres first-leg will be 1-0 in favor of the home side.
Toluca vs Tigres TV Schedule
The Toluca vs Tigres match will be televised this Thursday, December 4, 2014 on Univision Deportes at 5:00 PM Pacific.
