In the most exciting game of Liga MX Clausura 2025, Necaxa caused Tigres UANL an unexpected loss. The quarter final second leg on May 11, 2025, at Estadio Universitario was a rollercoaster ride all along. There was last-minute drama, magic goals, and an edge-of-the-seat comeback.
First Leg Set the Stage
The first game of this quarterfinal series was a tense 0-0 tie. No scores, much ado. That left the second game on the table. Both sides had nothing to lose.
Tigres UANL had home ground. They filled the stadium with fans praying for a rout. But Necaxa arrived with a strategy and a cast-iron stomach.
Tigres – Necaxa Match Full of Twists
The second half started on passion. Teams made opportunities but no goals in the first half. Defenses were solid. Midfielders fought angrily. Both of the sides knew one careless error would be expensive to them.
Tigres bided their time until the 53rd minute to make the breakthrough with an excellent shot. Juan Brunetta, it was who drove an outstanding shot for Tigres. Fans erupted with joy. Tigres had made their way towards semi final qualification.
But Necaxa had other ideas.
Agustín Palavecino leveled in the 82nd minute to bring Necaxa level with an important equalizer. Pressure was restored. The aggregate score was even. The stadium was on the edge of their seats.
Four minutes later, Tomas Badaloni leaped highest to head in the winning goal. Emilio Lara had served the pass. That goal, in the 86th minute, confirmed Necaxa’s 2-1 aggregate victory.
Tigres tried to return in the final minutes but were unable to gain an entry. The final whistle was a witness to a dramatic turn of events.
Necaxa’s Tactical Geniuses
Huge credit to coach Nicolás Larcamón. His tactics were magical. Necaxa used his tactical brilliance and played high up, unsettled Tigres’ rhythm, and remained solid at the back.
Palavecino, Badaloni, and José Paradela’s forward trio never allowed Tigres any peace. They ran relentlessly and it never allowed time for the defense to settle.
In defense, Alexis Peña was superb. His positioning, tackles, and clears were of top quality. Tigres’ two top scorers were André-Pierre Gignac and Sebastián Córdov and they were shut down for the most part.
Tigres had more. They took more shots. But Necaxa was more efficient. They converted their chances and defended like an army of warriors.
Guzmán’s efforts weren’t enough
Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán also came up with a string of super saves. He was keeping the team in the match at the important times. But his heroics still could not keep out the two late goals.
The defeat is frustrating for Tigres supporters. They played with heart but did not have the killer instinct at the important times.
What’s Next for Necaxa?
Necaxa wins to proceed to Liga MX Clausura 2025 semifinals. They will now play struggling Club América, who defeated Pachuca 2-0. The match also positions for another intense clash. Club América is one of the top club teams in the league.
The other half of the competition had Toluca defeat Monterrey on away goals by a 4-4 aggregate. A few of the greatest Mexican footballers now await in the semifinals.
Heartbreak for Tigres
Tigres UANL had a great tournament but fell short at the final barrier. They were not playing poorly—Necaxa was just more powerful on the day, plain and simple.
Tigres will rebuild now. They’ll study what went wrong and hope for next season.
Final Thoughts
This quarterfinal game was a showcase for the randomness of football. From a goalless first leg to a second-leg thriller, the tie had everything. Goals. Passion. Tactics. And tragedy.
Necaxa’s 2-1 aggregate win over Tigres UANL is a victory of perseverance and faith. They now carry momentum and faith with them into the semifinals.
As the Liga MX 2025 tournament continues, there’s more firecrackers in store. The battle for the trophy has only just started. The best is yet to come.
