match recap
tigres 3-2 galaxy
By Raquel Hernandez Apr 8, 2025
Antuna celebrating goal Champions Cup Photography : @Clubtigres
Tigres UANL Edges Out LA Galaxy to Advance in Concacaf Champions Cup
Date: April 8, 2025
Venue: Estadio Universitario, Monterrey, Mexico
Final Score: Tigres 3 - 2 LA Galaxy (Aggregate: 3 - 2)
First Leg Recap
The first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal ended in a tense 0-0 draw at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles. With everything to play for in the second leg, both teams entered the Estadio Universitario knowing a win would seal a spot in the semifinals.
N. Ibanez celebrating goal. Photography: @Clubtigres
Tigres Takes Early Control
Tigres started the match with explosive energy and wasted no time putting pressure on Galaxy’s backline:
9th minute: Nicolás Ibáñez opened the scoring with a powerful header from a Diego Lainez cross.
10th minute: Just seconds later, Uriel Antuna capitalized on another pinpoint delivery from Lainez to double Tigres' lead.
The two quick goals left Galaxy stunned and gave Tigres a massive early advantage.
Galaxy's First-Half Fightback
Despite the shock of conceding twice early, LA Galaxy responded before the break:
40th minute: Joseph Paintsil brought Galaxy back into the match with a composed finish, making it 2-1 and shifting the momentum in the visitors' favor.
Second-Half Fireworks
The second half continued with fast-paced action from both sides:
57th minute: Rômulo added a third for Tigres, restoring their two-goal cushion.
59th minute: Galaxy struck back immediately through Carlos Garcés, narrowing the gap once again to 3-2.
This back-and-forth exchange set up a tense final 30 minutes.
Joseph Paintsil goal Photography @Lagalaxy
Tigres Hold the Line
With LA Galaxy needing just one more goal to advance on away goals, they piled on the pressure. However:
Tigres’ defense stood tall, with goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán making key saves down the stretch.
Despite their best efforts, Galaxy couldn't find the equalizer, and the match ended 3-2 in favor of Tigres.
Post-Match Reaction
LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney voiced his frustration after the match:
"We need to show more maturity. Giving up two goals so early was not acceptable in a game of this magnitude," he said. "We have to learn from this and grow."
What’s Next
Tigres UANL: Advances to the Champions Cup semifinals, where they'll face the winner of the Club América vs. Cruz Azul quarterfinal.
LA Galaxy: Exits the tournament and now shifts focus to improving their struggling start in the 2025