Unforgettable Christmas Finale: Tigers vs America
Monterrey, NL / December 25, 2023
Although the Tigers have just lost the possibility of becoming two-time champions against America, December 25 will forever be etched in the memories of both teams. The Christmas Finale was a gripping encounter that left everyone in awe, as it seemed like the Eagles would claim the trophy.
What happened in the A2016 Final?
Tigres appeared to be on the brink of defeat, with America just one minute away from clinching the 2016 Apertura championship. However, a true Christmas miracle unfolded at the Volcán stadium. In the 119th minute, Jesus Duenas scored a crucial header to equalize the score at 1-1, forcing the match into penalties. It was then that Nahuel Guzmán, the Tigers’ goalkeeper, emerged as the hero, saving crucial penalties and securing the fifth star for his team.
Similar to the 2015 Apertura final, Nahuel Guzmán once again showcased his exceptional penalty-saving skills. His teammates also played their part by converting their penalties flawlessly. First, André-Pierre Gignac, Juninho, and later Guido Pizarro found the back of the net, while Nahuel stopped William da Silva, Silvio Romero, and Javier Güemez from America.
Thus, the university students managed to stage an incredible comeback after a match in which luck seemed to be against them. Despite hitting the crossbar multiple times and facing an outstanding performance from America’s goalkeeper Moisés Muñoz, Tigres refused to give up. However, their task became even more challenging when Jorge Torres Nilo was sent off at the end of the second period.
América took advantage of their numerical superiority and scored the opening goal in the first extra time through the young Edson Alvarez. The 1-0 lead seemed to pave the way for the championship. Tigres fought back, but their efforts were in vain until Rubens Sambueza was also shown a red card at the 102nd minute. The match then descended into chaos, with José Rivas from Tigres and Paolo Goltz and Ventura Alvarado from América receiving red cards.
In the second extra time, Tigres had a few opportunities, including a header from Gignac and Pizarro, but it wasn’t until the 119th minute that the breakthrough came. Jürgen Damm delivered a precise cross to Jesús Dueñas, who scored a perfect header to equalize the score at 1-1, giving Tigres a chance to win through penalties.
Ultimately, the UANL team secured their fifth championship title, while América ended their centenary year with the disappointment of defeat in the final and no silverware to display on such a significant date.
The most recent encounter: America’s Victory
In the most recent final, the Apertura 2023, Tigres suffered a defeat against America at the Azteca stadium. The result mirrored that of the 2014 Apertura, with America emerging victorious with a 3-0 scoreline in the second leg and three players sent off.