This is the story that unfolds between the cat teams in the final phase of the season. In recent campaigns, Tigres UANL has risen to prominence in Liga MX, sparking discussion about whether they should join Pumas in the so-called big four. As the Apertura 2023 semi finals approach, both clubs are squaring off in pursuit of a coveted spot in the final and a place in the league’s elite history.
Tigres secured their semifinal berth by dispatching Puebla with relative ease in the quarterfinals, while Pumas followed the same path by defeating Chivas. The path to the title is lined with fatigue, strategy, and bursts of exceptional play from both sides as the league nears its climactic stages. This matchup is more than a mere clash of two storied clubs; it is a test of identity for a league that values tradition as much as it pursues progress.
In this roundup, the balance sheet of the Liguilla series between Pumas and Tigres is laid out, reflecting a rivalry that has evolved over the years. The forthcoming Apertura 2023 clash will mark the fifth installment in their post-season history, a milestone that emphasizes how closely these teams are linked in Mexican football lore.
How many times have they faced each other in the Liguilla
The teams have met four times in the Liguilla prior to the upcoming Apertura 2023 encounter. That forthcoming match stands as the fifth chapter in a postseason saga that has produced thrillers, upsets, and moments etched into league memory. Each series has carried its own storyline, from tactical duels to late drama that decided the aggregate winner over two legs.
HISTORY COUGARS VERSUS TIGERS IN LIGUILLA
The history between these two clubs is a tapestry of high-stakes football. Pumas UNAM and Tigres UANL have exchanged blows across multiple seasons, with fevered atmospheres and decisive goals shaping their encounters. The confrontation in the Liguilla often carries an extra edge, as both sides strive to prove their status among Mexico’s football elite. The rivalry has grown beyond a simple head-to-head record, becoming a test of tactical philosophy and psychological resilience that fans have come to admire year after year.
FINAL COLLISION
In the most recent high-profile playoff meeting, the 2018 Apertura quarterfinals produced a dramatic finish with Pumas clinching the tie on aggregate with a 4-3 result. That outcome underscored the unpredictable nature of postseason football and the enduring competitiveness that defines this Toronto style rivalry within Liga MX. The memory of that series continues to color expectations for the current season, as both clubs seek to add to their rich post-season legacies. The lessons from that contentious series inform how teams approach the two-legged format, how managers set up their lineups, and how players manage the pressure of playoff football.
Source: Goal