Two of Liga MX's finest will go head-to-head this week in Leagues Cup knockout stage action as Tigres UANL take on Pachuca. This is the second meeting between these two Mexican heavyweights this year, with Guillermo Almada's Pachuca side claiming a comfortable 3-0 win when the two teams squared off in Liga MX back in April.
Tigres booked their place in the Leagues Cup Round of 32 after a pair of 2-1 victories over Puebla and Inter Miami to finish atop East Group 3. The Mexican giants will look to keep the momentum rolling in their matchup against fellow Liga MX side Pachuca in a bid to reach the Round of 16.
Even though Pachuca never won outright in 90 minutes in the group stage, Guillermo Almada's team still did enough to advance to the Round of 32. The reigning CONCACAF Champions Cup winners picked up two points in a penalty shootout win over MLS side New York Red Bulls before falling against Toronto, meaning the Mexican club joined TFC out of East Group 6 in reaching the knockout stage.
Tigres UANL
Tigres put on a show at the NRG Stadium where they picked up a stunning 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in the Group N finale last weekend. Before that, Veljko Paunovic’s side had to dig deep in their Leagues Cup opener as they secured a 2-1 victory over 10-man Puebla on August 1.
Tigres head into Thursday’s tie on a run of four back-to-back wins, scoring eight goals and keeping two clean sheets since a 1-1 draw with Atlas in Liga MX on July 13.
Pachuca
Pachuca, on the other hand, fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of MLS outfit Toronto FC in the final Group J game last weekend. However, a penalty-shootout victory over New York Red Bulls in the group curtain-raiser on July 31 was enough to see Almada’s men through to the knockout stages as they finished second in the table.
Pachuca were sent crashing out of the Leagues Cup in the round of 32 last season as they were beaten on penalties by Houston Dynamo.
Key Players
Tigres will rely on the firepower of André-Pierre Gignac, who will be looking to continue his impressive scoring form. The French striker has already bagged two goals in the Leagues Cup this season. However, Tigres will also be looking to their young guns like Luis Quiñones, who has been a revelation for the team this season. He will be looking to cause havoc on the flanks.
For Pachuca, the key players will be their experienced midfielders, such as Víctor Guzmán and Erick Sánchez. Both players are capable of dictating the tempo of the game and creating chances for their teammates. Another key player to watch for will be the young striker, Roberto de la Rosa, who has been in good form this season. He will be looking to break through the Tigres defense and create a chance for himself or a teammate.
Match Prediction
Tigres have put together an impressive run of results in recent weeks and will head into Thursday’s match with sky-high confidence. Pachuca have struggled to grind out results away from home and we are backing Paunovic’s men to see off their Mexican rivals.
Prediction: Tigres UANL 3-1 Pachuca
Where to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on Apple TV - MLS Season Pass in the United States and Canada. Fans in the United Kingdom can also watch the match live on Apple TV - MLS Season Pass. You can also follow all the action live on VAVEL USA.
Match Preview
Both teams are already in Q2, and both Mexican teams will go all out to qualify for the next phase. Tigres is undefeated in this phase, the Monterrey team has scored four goals and has six points going into this match. Pachuca failed to make it three out of three in any of their games, but the draw and the point from winning on penalties got them to this stage.
Team News
There are no new injuries or suspensions to report on in the Tigres squad. Tigres UANL predicted lineup vs Pachuca ( 4-2-3-1 ): Guzmán; Aquino, Pizarro, Reyes, Angulo; Gorriaran, Carioca; Cordova, Brunetta, Flores; Gignac.
Like Tigres, Pachuca also have no fresh injuries in their camp and should Almada should have his full squad available for selection. Pachuca predicted lineup vs Tigres UANL ( 4-2-3-1 ): Moreno; Rodríguez, Micolta, Barreto, Bryan Gonzalez; Deossa, Arturo Gonzalez; Mena, Lopez; Idrissi; Rondon.
Final Thoughts
This is a clash of two of the best teams in Mexico, and it's sure to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are looking to advance to the next round of the Leagues Cup, and they will be looking to make a statement on Thursday night.
It's Time to See Which Liga MX Powerhouse Moves On
The Tigres vs Pachuca match is sure to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams looking to advance to the next round of the Leagues Cup. Be sure to tune in on Thursday night to see which team will come out on top.
