The first leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2017 semifinal between Club America and Tigres UANL left a lot to be desired. Miguel Herrera opted to try and surprise his opponent with counter-attacks but it was a flawed tactic against a really talented Tigres UANL team who took the 1-0 win. This second leg looks to be much more promising as Club America will need to be much more aggressive in it, here are four players to watch in this match.
1.Oribe Peralta
The Club America captain was absent in the first leg of this matchup as he barely even touched the ball in 90 minutes of play. His teammates failed to generate much play and get the ball to him and now Peralta must make an impact in this second leg. The veteran striker was America’s top scorer with six goals throughout the Apertura 2017 and is arguably the most clinical finisher on the Mexico City side. The 33-year-old had no shots in the first leg but if his teammates can generate opportunities you can count on Peralta to score them.
2.Nahuel Guzman
The Tigres’ goalkeeper was not tested in the first leg of this semifinal series as Club America had 8 shots but none were on target. The Argentine has been known to have his fair share of errors throughout his playing career and Tigres cannot afford to see that in this game. Guzman must be in top form even if several factors favor his team as Club America is a talented team and an early goal can quickly change the outlook of the game.
3.Carlos Darwin Quintero
Club America has just two goals in its last seven Liga MX goals and has failed to score in the playoffs. A big reason why Las Aguilas have struggled to score is Carlos Darwin Quintero’s poor form in recent games. The Colombian had been the key generator of play for most of the season and his inconsistency has made it complicated for Miguel Herrera’s side to get anything going offensively. The Colombian forward did have two key passes in the first leg but only won two out of eight duels and must generate scoring opportunities for Club America in this game. Quintero’s poor performances cannot go on forever, especially now when his team needs him the most as Los Azulcremas must at least score two goals to reach the Liga MX final.
4.Hugo Ayala
The defense was key for Tigres UANL in the first leg at the Estadio Azteca and will need to come up big this Saturday at the Estadio Universitario. Juninho scored the lone goal of the game in that first leg via a penalty but his centre-back partner Hugo Ayala was clearly more influential in the defense. The Mexican defender had a blocked shot, two interceptions, seven clearances and six of eight accurate long balls. Tigres just needs to maintain a scoreless result or can inclusively lose 1-0 in this return leg, Ayala and the rest of the back line will be vital in this match.
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)
