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Tigres 2-2 Pumas: Felines Draw In Monterrey
Tigres and Pumas split the points as they drew 2-2 in the Estadio Olimpico Universitario.
Feb 7, 2010 9:59:00 PM
By Sylvestre Adame
It took four Jornadas for Pumas to finally concede a goal.
First Half
The game would get off to a slow start. The home side, however, were the first to create any danger. Itamar Batista controlled the ball and cut past Marco Antonio Palacios. Batista took a shot but Sergio Bernal was there to make a one handed save.
It looked like Tigres would have control of the game but Pumas changed that in the 15th minute. Israel Castro let it fly from long distance and his shot went right in to give Pumas a 1-0 lead.
Pumas had troubles penetrating the Tigres defense but Castros’ strike gave them a new found confidence.
Pablo Barrera would also try his luck in the 22nd minute. Barrera struck the ball from the edge of the box but his attempt went wide of the post.
Pumas controlled the game and Tigres did not get back in it until late in the first half.
Itamar Batista found himself alone down the left side of the box in the 42nd minute. Batista tried to cross his shot to the far post but Sergio Bernal killed the play before any real danger could ensue.
Second Half
Tigres moved the ball for the second half. They were rewarded with three early corners but could make nothing of them.
Batista had another chance to tie things up in the 51st minute. Batista danced around in the edge of the box before unleashing a left footed strike. Once again Bernal was well alert and swatted the ball away.
Pumas' first sight at goal in the second half came in the 58th minute. Leandro Augusto tried to surprise Cirilo Saucedo with a long distance shot. Unfortunately the shot had very little behind it and Saucedo was able to make the easy save.
Tigres still pressed on and Batista would miss a golden opportunity once more.
Lucas Lobos sent a cross to a wide open Batista. With an empty net in front of him Batista hit the crossbar and failed to tie things up.
Pumas would once again score in the 80th minute. Pablo Barrera received the ball inside the box, beat Castillo and crossed his shot against Saucedo. Pumas went up by two but it wouldn’t last long.
Tigres pulled one back just a minute later. Lucas Lobos found Itamar Batista inside the box. Batista headed the ball past Bernal and gave Tigres a chance.
The minutes were winding down and pumas looked to be the victor but Batista painted himself as a savior in the 90th minute. Once against Lucas Lobos assisted in the play as the Brazilian slotted the ball home.
The game ended shortly afterwards in a 2-2 tie.
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