Liga MX-MLS rivalry redux: Tigres face Columbus all even; América set to dispose of Rev
MLS champs walk into 'El Volcán' aiming for an upset while Aguilas poised to finish off New England
Tigres and América take center stage tonight with the chance to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.
Both Liga MX clubs will face MLS opponents – Tigres hosting Columbus at “El Volcán” and the Aguilas putting out the welcome mat at Estadio Azteca for the New England Revolution.
Tigres must defeat the Crew or hold the reigning MLS champs to a scoreless draw after the two clubs played to a 1-1 stalemate in Columbus last week. With the away-goals rule in force, the Crew would advance on any draw involving more than 4 collective goals, while a 1-1 score would result in overtime and, potentially, a penalty shootout.
América – the defending Liga MX champs – has one foot in the semifinals after routing the Revolution in Foxborough, Massachusetts, a week ago.
Tigres have their hands full
The Northern Giants come into Tuesday’s match with stats on their side, but soccer games are won on the pitch.
The Crew is winless in its last three against Liga MX sides and 0-for-4 when drawing in the first leg of a knockout series.
Meanwhile, Tigres is 2-3-0 in its past five CCC games, 10-5-1 in its past 16 and unbeaten in its last 12 against MLS sides.
In addition, “los felinos” have won their last five series after tying on the road in the first leg.
But last week, Columbus gave Tigres fits, especially on the wings. And Wilfried Nancy’s side will have star striker Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernández back in uniform after he missed the first leg.
Tigres will have midfield anchor Rafa Carioca available after he missed last week’s game on a red-card suspension, and Robert Siboldi’s men will be well-rested.
Against Pachuca over the weekend, Tigres rested nine players who started in Columbus last week. Winger Diego Lainez was the only field player to repeat in the line-up.
Aguilas look to maintain perfect record
América has been to the CCC quarterfinals seven previous time and has advanced to the semifinals all seven times.
The Liga MX champs look likely to make it a perfect 8-for- 8 after dismantling New England 4-0 last week.
Just to be sure, América rested most of its regulars on Saturday in league play against Santos Laguna. The result was a disappointing 1-1 draw that cost the Aguilas the top spot in the Liga MX standings, so they might be inclined to make the Revolution pay.
Midfielder quarterback Diego Valdés started the game against the Guerreros after being used as a sub a week ago in Columbus, but the playmaker appeared fit after struggling with a thigh complaint in recent weeks.
Two more Liga MX clubs on tap for Wednesday
If Tigres and América come through for Liga MX tonight, Pachuca and Monterrey will be looking to make it an al-Mexican CCC semifinals when they complete their quarterfinals series on Wednesday.
Pachuca has already booked its spot in the Final Four after destroying Herediano 5-0 in Costa Rica, but the Rayados have a tough test against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
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Monterrey will play host to The Herons with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Ft. Lauderdale.