In the most enticing match-up of the quarter-finals in the CONCACAF Champions League, Tigres UANL will host Pumas UNAM at the Estadio Universitario this Wednesday, February 22, 2017 (7:00 PM Pacific). These two teams are among the strongest in Mexico, which should make for an exciting match.
Tigres UANL is not having an ideal start to the Liga MX campaign, in 13th place in the league with seven points. Ricardo Ferretti’s side are coming off a big 3-0 win away from home against Veracruz, where the performance of the team was marred by violence in the stands. Andre-Pierre Gignac finally, scored his first goal of the tournament in the game, Luis Quinones and Jurgen Damm also made an appearance on the score-sheet for the ‘regios’. Before that win last week, the current champions were coming off three straight 1-0 losses.
Not many players have stood out for this team in the tournament, Ismael Sosa and Lucas Zelayaran did have an amazing performance against Club America in week 3 of the Clausura. Since then the Argentine pair have not done much. One Argentine player who has looked good for Tigres UANL this tournament has been defensive midfielder, Guido Pizarro. The Argentine has done a fine job controlling the midfield, with an 88.1 percent pass accuracy. Pizarro and the rest of the squad will need to be in top form to get the favorable result against the Pumas.
Pumas UNAM has only lost once in its last six games, looking like a possible contender for the Liga MX title. Most recently the Pumas had a huge come from behind 3-3 draw to Club Tijuana at home, scoring three goals in the span of 10 minutes. The Pumas defense overall has looked impressive, although it has allowed five goals in the last two games. Paco Palencia has a solid plan with a solid team, as he is the manager who utilizes the least amount of substitutions in the Liga MX, showing he has confidence in his starters.
There have been players who have been with the organization for a while who have stood out this tournament like the case of Pablo Barrera who has two goals. But the most standout player of the Clausura for Pumas UNAM has to be newcomer, Nicolas Castillo. The Paraguayan striker’s style of play has allowed him to find success in his first tournament in Mexico.
Castillo is not very quick, but he does possess a lot of physicality and is like an engine out on the field, never stopping. The 24-year-old has also shown to be clinical as he has four goals in six games. Castillo must be a key figure for the Pumas to have success in this game. The game should be one of the best of the week in terms of Mexican Soccer and is a must watch.
How to Watch Tigres vs Pumas
The Tigres vs Pumas match will be broadcast this Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 7:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free), FuboTV (Watch 7 Days Free)
