Tigres UANL vs. Pumas UNAM Odds, Prediction, Picks

Tigres UANL vs. Pumas UNAM Predictions

After registering a crucial away win in the away leg of the semifinal, Tigres have secured back-to-back wins in Liga MX for the first time in six games. The defending champions have lost just one of their last 12 encounters, and that solitary loss came against Tijuana at the start of November. 

After struggling in the past season, Pumas were on the prowl for their eighth Liga MX title to match the title tally of their semifinal opponents. Finishing just two points behind the defending champions in the league was a statement of intent. However, the voyage is on the verge of an end after the club lost at home for the first time since October.

Despite securing an away win, the margin is quite tight. Tigres have the advantage, but it is a slender lead. Any slip-ups in the second leg can allow Pumas to get back into this fixture. However, Tigres are eager to reach their second-successive Liga MX playoff finals, and that desire to retain their title will fuel their performance in the second leg.

The Estadio Universitario is not a happy hunting ground for Pumas UNAM. In their last 12 Liga MX visits to the venue, Pumas have lost nine, drawn three, and won none. This hands a massive psychological advantage to the hosts.

Tigres UANL last lost at home against Pumas in the Clausura 2014 season. Guido Pizarro scored for the hosts before they were reduced to ten after Jose Arturo Rivas was sent off. A brace from Martin Bravo in the final quarter of the game helped the visitors stage a comeback.

Since then, these two clubs have clashed multiple times in the regular season and the playoffs. In the Apertura 2018 playoffs, Tigres beat Pumas 2-1 in the home leg before Pumas clinched a 3-1 win in their backyard to advance with an aggregate score of 4-3.

Tigres UANL Have Eyes Firmly Set on Their Ninth Title  

After winning the Clausura 2023 playoff finals against Chivas Guadalajara, Tigres lifted their eighth Liga MX title. This season, they are one positive result away from reaching back-to-back Liga MX playoff finals.

In the first leg against Pumas, Tigres were under pressure on several occasions, but the players handled it well and secured a win and a clean sheet. At home, the club has not lost a single game this season, and they would like to keep that record intact in the second leg. 

Keeper Kept Tigres in the Game  

Nahuel Guzman produced six crucial saves and played a critical role in helping Tigres nab a win in the first leg. The 37-year-old did well to deny two goal-bound shots from Eduardo Salvio and Ulises Rivas.

Playing on home turf in the second leg, Guzman will aim to bag his eighth shutout of the season and help his side advance to the finals.

Key Players Expected to Return for the Home Leg  

Diego Lainez started on the left wing in the first leg, with Nicolas Ibanez starting up front. Andre-Pierre Gignac and Luis Quinones were not even on the bench, as both players are out with minor injuries.

Quinones has created a plethora of chances for Tigres all season, while Gignac is their top scorer. Both players are expected to be fit to start the second leg, making things difficult for the visitors.

Pumas UNAM Still in the Game   

After tasting defeat at home for only the second time this season, Pumas are still in the game because of the small margin. In a season where there has been no shortage of unexpected results, the chances of the visitors staging a comeback are nowhere close to zero.

Pumas’ record in away fixtures against Tigres may be poor, and the return of key players in the second leg for Tigres may also land a major blow on Pumas' hopes of reaching their first playoff final since 2020.

Star Winger Looking to Make Things Right  

Pumas came close to breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute when Salvio got his head to Robert Ergas' freekick but could not flick it on target.

The winger had another chance from the edge of the box, but he scuffed the finish. He eventually got two shots on target, and both were attempted from range and eventually saved by Guzman. In the second leg, Salvio will want to be more clinical to keep his club alive in the playoffs.

Two Major Absentees for the Second Leg

Pumas will be without the services of Jesus Rivas and Santiago Trigos in the away leg. Rivas picked up a hamstring injury, and Pablo Bennevendo is expected to replace the right-back.

Meanwhile, Trigos will miss the upcoming encounter because of a cynical challenge on Rafael Carioca, which was deemed a red-card offense by VAR and the on-field referee.