A clash of realities at the Universitario
This Friday, the University Stadium will witness a match with totally opposite vibrations. On the one hand, Tigres, with morale through the roof after a key victory. On the other, Santos Laguna, a team that seems to have lost its way and is sinking to the bottom of the standings.
The cats arrive with seven points and the confidence of someone who has just won a classic at home. In front of them they will have a rival that barely adds up to a miserable unit of twelve possible. The difference in mood couldn’t be greater.
International preparation as a factor
Tigres comes from a goalless draw in Canada, in the Concacaf Champions Cup, under freezing weather. It was a tough game, one of those that tempers character. Guido Pizarro made it clear after that meeting:
“What we are looking for in Tigres is to recover, to use the greatest number of players to face the competitions, being protagonists.”
While Tigres thinks about being a protagonist on all fronts, Santos seems to fight against himself. His coach, Francisco ‘Maza’ Rodríguez, released a painful statement after the rout against Pumas (4-0).
“With very little competitiveness, there are players with a low level to be in the first division”,
stated the lagoon strategist. They are harsh words that reflect a deep crisis within the locker room.
More than three points
For Tigres, this match is a golden opportunity to add and continue growing. For Santos, it’s almost a matter of survival and pride. They need to show that ‘Maza”s words stung them and they are going to react.
The duel is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. this Friday and TV Azteca will broadcast it. We’ll see which team takes the field: the ambitious Tigres or the injured but dangerous Santos? Sometimes the teams with their backs against the wall are the most difficult.
