Tigres UANL advanced to the Apertura 2025 Liga MX final by tying 1-1 with Cruz Azul in the semifinal return leg, owing to their better regular-season table position. The match at Estadio Universitario was intense, featuring an early goal, a key penalty save, and an own goal in added time. The felines will now face Toluca in the grand final.
The return leg of the Apertura 2025 semifinals took place at Estadio Universitario, known as 'El Volcán', in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Tigres and Cruz Azul arrived tied 1-1 on aggregate after the first leg, where Ángel Correa scored for the hosts in the 61st minute and 'Toro' Fernández equalized from the penalty spot.
In the first leg, the first half featured few scoring chances and frequent stoppages due to fouls. The second half gained intensity, ending with Correa's goal from rebounds in the box and Fernández's penalty that beat Nahuel Guzmán.
For the return, the first half saw Tigres take the lead in the 27th minute, as Juan Brunetta received an assist inside the box and finished with a powerful shot, opening the score and the aggregate. Cruz Azul created danger through plays by Sepúlveda, Piovi, and Rotondi, but Guzmán managed the threats.
In the second half, tension rose. At the 72nd minute, a penalty for Cruz Azul due to a foul by Rómulo on Fernández was heroically saved by Guzmán, who guessed the shot and preserved his team's lead. At the 86th minute, play halted due to a fractured ankle suffered by Cruz Azul's 'Chiquete' Orozco, who fell awkwardly and needed immediate medical attention.
With seven added minutes, at 90+5', an own goal by Tigres' Purata tied the match 1-1 and the aggregate 2-2, but it wasn't enough for Cruz Azul to advance. Tigres qualified due to their superior regular-season table position.
The final against Toluca begins on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 'El Volcán', with the return leg on Sunday, December 14, at Estadio Nemesio Diez. Tigres aims for their ninth title, while Toluca seeks a back-to-back championship.