Guido Pizarro Sends Strong Message as Tigres Look to Finish the Job Against Cruz Azul

Tigres head into the decisive second leg of the Apertura 2025 semifinal with confidence, control, and a message of conviction from head coach Guido Pizarro. After a 1–1 draw at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, the feeling inside the Tigres camp is that they let a win slip away, but they also believe the series remains tilted in their favor—especially with the decisive match returning to El Volcán, where they are undefeated this Liguilla.

After the match, Pizarro highlighted the balance of the game but noted that Tigres created the clearer chances. “We could have taken something more. I really liked the team. We had clear opportunities and understood how the match needed to be played,” the manager said. The result, combined with Tigres’ higher league position, means a draw at home will be enough to reach the Final. For Pizarro, the team executed the game plan well but lacked precision in the final touch. Cruz Azul focused on crosses and second balls, while Tigres found space behind the backline and forced Kevin Mier into several saves.

Pizarro also emphasized the physical toll of the recent matches. Tigres arrived at this semifinal after a dramatic comeback against Xolos and a demanding end to the regular season. “The effort the other day was huge. There are things to adjust, but the team pleased me. Nico felt discomfort, his leg tightened,” he explained regarding the early substitution of Nicolás Ibáñez — a protective decision rather than a tactical one.

Looking ahead to the decisive match at El Volcán, Pizarro made it clear that Tigres’ strength at home and the energy of their fans will be critical. “I trust my players. We need to have a great match in our stadium with our people. The fans will be there for us, and I trust in our strength to reach the final,” he stated. The manager dismissed criticism about game-management tactics, defending the professionalism of his squad: “I disagree with you. I’ll stick with the team’s great performance. It was a tactical match with clear chances and the attitude we look for.”

The scenario for the second leg is simple: Cruz Azul must win at El Volcán, while Tigres can advance with either a win or a draw. La Máquina arrive motivated after eliminating Chivas, but their attack must show more depth than in the first leg, where they generated little outside of crosses and set-pieces. Tigres, meanwhile, aim to combine defensive solidity with decisive finishing to avoid relying solely on the seeding tiebreaker.

Pizarro wrapped up his press conference with a reaffirmation of belief in his squad: “We played a great match. We need to do the same. The fans will support us. I trust in our strength.” On Saturday, the atmosphere at El Volcán will decide whether Tigres return to another Liga MX Final.