This Thursday, May 25, 2017 (7:00 PM Pacific) Tigres UANL will host Chivas of Guadalajara at the Estadio Universitario in the first leg of the Liga MX final. Both teams are among the best in the continent and will be looking for that title which should produce a vibrant and thrilling contest.
Tigres UANL is the favorite to take its sixth Liga MX title, having a better team and going into this round in much better form. Los Felinos outscored their opponents in the quarterfinals and semifinals by an impressive mark of 10-1. First, in the quarterfinals, Tigres UANL defeated its archrivals, Monterrey by a global score of 6-1, then in the semifinals, Tigres defeated Club Tijuana by a global score of 4-0. The defense and the goalkeeper, Nahuel Guzman are going into this encounter in spectacular form, only conceding one goal in the playoffs and a league-low 12 during the regular season. Jorge Torres Nilo is set to return for this final as well, which will solidify the already rigid back line.
The midfield has been outstanding with Jesus Duenas and Guido Pizarro in top form. The attack has been as imposing as ever with the unlikely tandem of Javier Aquino and Lucas Zelayaran performing at a top level with a combined three goals in the semifinals. Finally, Andre-Pierre Gignac has been “Mr. Liguilla” this postseason scoring four goals and netting two assists as well. Tigres Should be able to come away with a big win in this first leg that will set the tone for the second leg in Guadalajara.
Chivas of Guadalajara is going into this encounter with not the best form, especially from offensive options. Los Rojiblancos road to the final was distinct from Tigres as Chivas only won one game in the playoffs to reach this final. Guadalajara tied both legs of the semi-final series against Toluca and lost and won a game in the quarter-final series against Atlas. These games were also very low-scoring affairs as Chivas scored a goal or less in each of these encounters. The defense and midfield have been spectacular with players like Oswaldo Alanis, Orbelin Pineda and Rodolfo Pizarro having solid performances.
But the attack has suffered, specifically, Alan Pulido has been dreadful recently, unable to score a goal in Chivas’ last nine games. Pulido has not done much of anything in the playoffs with Rodolfo Pizarro emerging as the best option for Matias Almeyda going forward recently. El Rebano Sagrado will have a tough opponent in this final, one that beat Chivas 3-0 during the regular season. Chivas should not be able to come away with a favorable result from this first leg but the game should still be a thrilling encounter between two of the best teams in the southern hemisphere.
How to Watch Tigres UANL vs Chivas
The Tigres UANL vs Chivas match will be broadcast this Thursday, May 25 at 7:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free), Fubo TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
