The First Legs of the Liga MX Apertura 2017 semifinals both went in the away team’s favor with Monterrey picking up a 1-0 win in Morelia and Tigres UANL achieving a 1-0 win at the Estadio Azteca. Club America will have a very tough task in the second leg of this semifinal matchup, being a goal down and playing at the Estadio Universitario and here are three things Las Aguilas must do to get past Tigres UANL.
1.Win Midfield Duels
The midfield is the one area of Club America’s team that is better than Tigres UANL’s with a rock like Guido Rodriguez in the heart of it. Since the departure of Guido Pizarro for Los Felinos Ricardo Ferretti has been missing a player of his caliber in the midfield. Rafael Carioca has been a decent player but his presence is not close to what Pizarro brought. Club America’s Guido Rodriguez does have this presence and is also very talented in his position.
The 23-year-old was clearly the best player for Miguel Herrera in that first leg and he must have a similar performance in this game to ensure success for Los Azulcremas. Rodriguez had a 92-percent pass accuracy, 36 total passes, 2 clearances and two interceptions in that first leg and could be the key for Club America to reach the Apertura 2017 Final.
2.Generate Attack
Miguel Herrera must go out and attack his opposition from the initial whistle of this second leg in Nuevo Leon. Herrera has been using a counter-attacking style recently but must be much more aggressive in this return leg at the Estadio Universitario. Club America had eight shots in the first leg, 10 less than Tigres UANL and none of the eight shots were on target. In fact, Nahuel Guzman was not even worked throughout that game, something that must immediately change early on in this match. Las Aguilas now have just two goals in their last seven Liga MX games and are yet to score in the Apertura 2017 playoffs.
3.Get The Ball To Oribe Peralta
Oribe Peralta has not been living the best moment but now is the time where Miguel Herrera needs his captain more than ever. The Mexican striker has not even seen much of the ball in the playoffs and seemed almost nonexistent in the first leg of this matchup. Peralta played all 90 minutes but had no shots, one unsuccessful dribble attempt, only 14 passes and only won five of 12 duels. His Teammates must get the ball to him as he is the most clinical finisher on Club America and one of the only players that can put away the scoring opportunities under immense pressure.
How to Watch Tigres UANL vs Club America
The Tigres UANL vs Club America match will be broadcast this Saturday, December 2 at 5:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
