MEXICO CITY — A dramatic late goal by Juan Jose Purata enabled UANL Tigres to hold Cruz Azul to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday during the initial leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals series.
Rodolfo Rotondi had earlier given the visiting team the lead in the 68th minute. However, Purata managed to level the score with a precise header in the 84th minute, assisted by a cross from teammate Juan Brunetta.
Reflecting on the match, Rotondi remarked, “It was a tough semifinal match against a great opponent. The series is wide open, and we are going home to define it in front of our fans.”
Cruz Azul progressed to the semifinals by defeating Club America in the prior round, marking their first semifinal appearance since 2022. The team is now setting its sights on matching its crosstown rival’s record of seven regional titles.
The team, commonly known as La Maquina, is vying for its first regional title since the 2013-14 season when they triumphed over Tijuana.
Meanwhile, Tigres advanced past MLS team LA Galaxy and are eager to secure their first CONCACAF title since 2020.
The decisive second leg is scheduled for next Thursday at the Olympic stadium in Mexico City.
Additionally, in another semifinal matchup, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will face the Vancouver Whitecaps, with the series set to commence on Thursday.