Atlas asserted home supremacy with a commanding win over the reigning champions.
Proceeding with Matchday 8 of Apertura 2023, Atlas and Tigres faced off this Sunday, September 17, at the Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara. The Rojinegros arrived after a defeat to Atlético San Luis, while the Universitarios carried momentum from a win against Querétaro’s Gallos Blancos.
With goals from Juan Zapata and Jordy Caicedo, Atlas eclipsed the visitors 2-0. Tigres offered little danger in the opponent’s box as the match wore on, and Atlas kept control through steady pressing and smart ball movement.
Marcelo Flores made his debut in the UANL shirt, but he could only influence a portion of the game in the second half as the match slipped further away from his new side.
For fans seeking a detailed breakdown, here is a minute by minute look at the key moments and standout actions from the match, highlighting how Atlas sealed the result and the tactical choices that shaped the encounter.
ATLAS VERSUS TIGERS: MINUTE BY MINUTE
Atlas started with clear intent, pressing high and forcing errors from the Tigres defense early on. The first substantial opening arrived after a well-placed pass found Zapata just outside the box, but the shot clipped the post and stayed out. The tempo stayed brisk as Atlas dictated the pace, moving the ball quickly across the attacking third and asking questions about Tigres’ shape.
The breakthrough eventually came through Zapata, whose smart run and finish put Atlas ahead. The home side built confidence from the goal, maintaining a compact defensive block that limited Tigres’ chances and forced the visitors to push more players forward as the clock moved into the middle portion of the game.
Caicedo then added a second with a composed finish after a patient buildup, demonstrating Atlas’s ability to convert in the final third while preserving their defensive structure. The second goal further disrupted Tigres, who rotated their lineup in an attempt to spark life in an otherwise subdued attack.
Marcelo Flores entered the field in the latter stages, briefly changing the dynamic for Tigres as his fresh legs pressed Atlas’s backline. Yet the momentum did not swing in the visitors’ favor, and Atlas remained organized, sealing a clean sheet and extending their positive run at home.
Throughout the match, both sides exhibited moments of quality, with Atlas showing clinical efficiency and Tigres struggling to translate possession into clear chances. The crowd at Jalisco Stadium enjoyed a narrative that favored the home side, whose pressing and quick transitions created measurable pressure on the visiting defense.
The second half featured limited goalmouth action, but the strategic battle between coaches was evident. Atlas favored a balanced approach, combining disciplined defense with quick counters, while Tigres sought to unlock the defense through tighter combination play in the middle third. The defensive lines remained resolute, deflecting passes and clearing balls with determination.
In the end, Atlas’s two goals proved decisive, and their compact structure, effective pressing, and goalkeeping organization helped secure a valuable three points against a formidable opponent. The result reinforced Atlas’s home strength and signaled a strong statement early in the Apertura campaign. The match left Tigres with questions about how to convert chances when the tempo quickens and how to adjust their forward line for greater impact as the season progresses.
Source: Goal
HOW TO WATCH ON TV AND ONLINE?
The competition can be followed via Afizzionados, but also via the Vix Premium application, available for devices with iOS and Android systems.
ALIGNMENTS
ATLAS
Vargas; Abella, Nervo, Aguirre, Reyes; Rocha, Zapata, Martinez; Guzmán, Solari and Caicedo.
TIGERS
Guzman; Aquino, Pizarro, Samir, Angulo, Carioca, Vigón, Gorriarán; Fulgencio, Quiñones and Gignac.