'We showed what we’re capable of' - Necaxa head coach Nicolás Larcamón says club has 'clear mission to win' second leg vs. Tigres

Necaxa head coach Nicolás Larcamón expressed satisfaction with his team’s goalless draw against Tigres in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 quarterfinals. While the match ended without a winner, the Argentine manager praised his players’ performance at home and their ability to control large portions of the game, despite missing key chances.

The Rayos had several opportunities to take the lead but failed to convert, leaving them without an advantage heading into the second leg in Monterrey. While some might view the result as a missed opportunity, Larcamón chose to focus on the positives.

“We showed what we’re capable of," said the Argentinian said after the match. "The way the match played out is a great sign for us. It speaks volumes about what this team can do. We were dominant, superior in many aspects, and created a lot. The only downside is that we couldn’t turn that into a lead.

"But in some ways, this result suits us - it means we go to El Volcán with a clear mission to win, which aligns with our identity. We don’t want to just defend a narrow lead; we want to go out and pursue victory. I’m proud of how the team performed."

Larcamón also addressed the 18-day gap since Necaxa’s last match, stating that the lack of rhythm wasn’t a factor in the draw.

"The team responded well right from the first minute," he said. "I didn’t feel we were affected by the layoff at any point. We used the break to prepare properly, and I think that showed on the field."

Tigres and Necaxa head into the second leg with everything on the line after a tightly contested first match ended in a scoreless draw at Estadio Victoria. While Larcamón left his home ground encouraged by his team’s performance, he knows a win on the road is now the only path to the semifinals.

Playing at El Volcán, however, is no easy task. Tigres have built a formidable home record this season, winning eight of nine matches and losing just once - making them one of the strongest home sides in the league.

With head coach Guido Pizarro suspended, Tigres assistant Maxi Velázquez spoke to the media following their 0-0 draw against Necaxa in Aguascalientes. The first leg was marked by limited action and few clear chances, but Velázquez remained optimistic.

“It was a fair result. We always step on the field looking to win. It was an intense match. We struggled a bit in the first half, but improved a lot in the second," said Velázquez. "The draw was fair based on how both teams played. Now, we shift our focus to the return leg at home, with our fans behind us. It’s a positive result, and we’ll look to close out the series at El Volcán."

Velázquez acknowledged that lack of finishing has been a concern for Tigres, but said it’s something the coaching staff is working on.

"Of course, it’s something we’re trying to improve," he said. "It’s not a crisis, but it’s something we’re addressing. We’re looking at the positives and continuing to grow."

Necaxa will now need a win by any margin in the second leg to secure a place in the Liga MX semifinals. The decisive match is scheduled for Sunday at Estadio Universitario, commonly known as El Volcán.

Meanwhile, Tigres can advance with either a win or a draw, thanks to their higher position in the regular-season standings.