The first legs of all the quarterfinal matchups in the Liga MX Apertura 2017 are over with and now the return legs will kick off this Saturday. The first leg between Leon and Tigres UANL ended in a 1-1 draw and now the second leg should be an exciting one at the Estadio Universitario, here are five players to watch in this match.
1.Mauro Boselli
Boselli was the joint top scorer during the regular Liga MX Apertura season with 11 goals and was also the lone scorer for Leon in the first leg of this series. The players around him must do a better job of getting the ball to their captain as the Argentine only had two shots in the first leg but one was the goal he scored.
The 32-year-old also won six out of nine duels in that game against Tigres and was not dispossessed throughout 90 minutes played. Boselli has proven throughout his career in Mexico that on his day, he is arguably the most clinical finisher in the Liga MX, this is a tough game for La Fiera, especially away from home and Boselli will need to be on point.
2.Elias Hernandez
Hernandez was arguably Leon’s most important player in the Apertura 2017 regular season with six goals and seven assists. The Mexican midfielder was the main generator on the team but he did struggle in the first leg against Tigres. The 29-year-old had a nice pass accuracy of 86-percent but only completed two out of seven passes, had no shots on target, had one out of three successful dribble attempts and only won three out of seven duels. Hernandez has been the catalyst on this Leon team and must have a presence in this game, especially to generate play and score some goals.
3.Jesus Dueñas
Dueñas was definitely one of the standouts from the first leg of this matchup, really controlling that midfield. The Mexican midfielder had 57 total passes, an 89-percent pass accuracy, four key passes, nine out of nine long balls and three interceptions. Tigres UANL just needs a scoreless draw or a 1-1 draw to get through to the semifinals and the defense and midfield will need to put in a shift. Dueñas has had to step it up since the departure of Guido Pizarro and should be a key player in this second leg against Leon.
4.Nahuel Guzman
The Tigres’ goalkeeper does tend to step it up in crucial games but also always seems to do his fair share of blunders as well. Guzman was not tested much in the first leg with only two saves and will need to be flawless at the Estadio Universitario. The defense in front of him is solid but with players like Elias Hernandez, Mauro Boselli and Andres Andrade on the attack for Leon he will surely be tested a few times throughout the match.
5.Fernando Navarro
Navarro had typically been used as a right-back until recently when Gustavo Diaz has used him as a midfielder. The Mexican player has looked solid in the role and specifically had a very decent game against Tigres UANL in the first leg of this matchup. The 28-year-old won nine out of 13 duels, had one key pass, one clearance, two interceptions and three tackles in that game at the Nou Camp. Navarro has very good defensive capabilities but is also very quick, which allows him to start up counter attacks from that midfield slot. The Mexico City native was also part of Leon’s Apertura 2013 and Clausura 2014 championship teams and knows how it is like to plat at this stage along with teammates like Elias Hernandez and Mauro Boselli.
How to Watch Tigres UANL vs Leon
The Tigres UANL vs Leon match will be broadcast this Saturday, November 25 at 5:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
