'Anything can happen' - Tigres ready to defy expectations in semifinal clash against Cruz Azul

Tigres are gearing up for the decisive leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal against Cruz Azul - a tie where many have already counted them out. The skepticism stems from several factors: the 1–1 draw in the first leg, Cruz Azul’s impressive 15-match unbeaten streak, and the fact that the second leg will be played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, giving La Máquina both home-field advantage and the benefit of an away goal. With much of the spotlight on a presumed Cruz Azul vs. Inter Miami final, Tigres midfielder Fernando Gorriarán urged caution, reminding everyone that there's still plenty of football left to play.

“A lot of people already see Cruz Azul and Inter Miami in the final, but there are still 90 minutes - and maybe more - to go. Anything can happen, and this team is fully motivated to deliver something special for our fans,” said Gorriarán. “We have the chance to finish the series at home, and that’s a huge incentive.”

Joining Gorriarán in addressing the media was Argentine head coach Guido Pizarro, who confirmed that Rafael Carioca will miss the match due to a mouth infection. He also clarified that Juan Brunetta is expected to be available, despite a brief health scare prior to training.

“Juan is fine, it was just a minor issue caused by something he ate,” Pizarro explained. “As for Rafa, he hasn’t been able to train or eat properly, so he’ll focus on recovering. He’s a key player for what’s ahead, especially with the league playoffs coming up.”

Carioca joins André-Pierre Gignac and Rafael Guerrero on the injury list for Thursday night’s showdown against Cruz Azul at Estadio Universitario.

Tigres and Cruz Azul face off Wednesday night in a semifinal clash where La Máquina appears to be the favorite to reach the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, having had a stronger season than the team from Monterrey - at least on paper.

However, if there’s one thing Tigres have proven over the years, it’s that they carry a champion’s DNA and know exactly how to handle these kinds of high-stakes matches. They may no longer be the powerhouse they once were, but they still have high-quality players like Juan Brunetta and Fernando Gorriarán, who can make a real difference on the pitch.

It’s set to be a thrilling match tonight with a spot in the final on the line.

Pizarro also spoke about the unwavering support he’s received from club president Mauricio Culebro, but emphasized that sustained success is built through daily effort.

“I’ve felt that support from day one, and I’m grateful. But I know that nothing is guaranteed—we have to earn everything through consistent work. I have a clear vision of what we want to achieve and how to get there,” he said. “It’s about building something meaningful for the club and giving our fans a reason to believe.”

Cruz Azul and Tigres are expected to draw the biggest home crowd of the year for La Máquina this Thursday at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. So far, over 32,000 tickets have been sold, with expectations being high that attendance will surpass previous figures from matches held in Puebla and even earlier games at CU.

Cruz Azul’s highest attendance this year came at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, when they faced Pumas in front of 37,571 fans.