The decisive second leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2017 final will be played this Sunday at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer. The first leg between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw, now it is the decisive game and here are four players that need to step it up in this match.
Aviles Hurtado
The Colombian forward has been one of Monterrey’s best players throughout this Apertura 2017 but was one of the most disappointing players in the first leg of this final. Hurtado played 69 minutes, was dispossessed three times, had a dismal 60-percent pass accuracy and only won five of 11 duels. The 30-year-old has been that difference maker for Los Rayados and must now step up in this vital game against Tigres UANL
Luis Fuentes
Leonel Vangioni picked up a red card in the first leg of this matchup and will now be unavailable for this second leg at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer. Luis Fuentes is likely the player that will replace him and the Mexican fullback will have a huge responsibility down that left flank. The 31-year-old did start in 10 games this season and posted solid numbers with an assist and 188 recovered balls. Fuentes has already won two Liga MX championships with Pumas UNAM, has a wealth of experience and should provide a solid performance in this match.
Andre-Pierre Gignac
The French striker has not had a very good season with just six goals between the regular season and the playoffs so far. “Monsieur Liguilla” had a very poor first leg of this series as he played the entire match, had no shots on target or successful dribble attempts, no accurate crosses from four attempts, was dispossessed twice and only won three of 11 duels. Gignac has 18 career goals in the Liga MX playoffs and will need to be a prominent figure in this return leg at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer.
Francisco Meza
With the red card that Hugo Ayala received in the first leg of this matchup, Meza might be the player with the most pressure on him for this game. The Colombian centre-back will surely take Ayala’s place and will have the responsibility of covering the aging Juninho that does push forward. Meza played the second leg of the semifinal matchup against Club America and looked sharp but the pressure will be much more in this final fixture.
How to Watch Monterrey vs Tigres UANL
The Monterrey vs Tigres UANL match will be broadcast this Sunday, December 10 at 4:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
