In a thrilling conclusion to the Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinals, Tigres UANL advanced to the semifinals following a dramatic 2-2 aggregate draw against Club Necaxa. Despite the evenly split score over two legs, Tigres progressed thanks to their higher seeding in the regular season standings, as per Liga MX tiebreaker rules. The Tigres - Necaxa clash proved to be one of the most dramatic encounters of the postseason.
The first leg of the Tigres - Necaxa series, played at Necaxa’s home stadium, ended in a goalless draw. Both teams played cautiously, aware of the high stakes and the razor-thin margins that often define playoff fixtures. Necaxa, tactically sound and defensively solid, managed to hold off Tigres’ attacking threats. On the other hand, Tigres adopted a more measured approach, focusing on ball control and minimizing errors to keep the tie open heading into the return leg.
In the second leg of the Tigres - Necaxa encounter, held at Estadio Universitario, the tension exploded into a goal-laden thriller. The deadlock was broken in the 53rd minute when Tigres’ midfielder Juan Brunetta struck the first blow, giving Tigres a 1-0 lead and the advantage in the overall Tigres - Necaxa battle. The stadium erupted in celebration, but the excitement was far from over.
Necaxa struck back with determination in the final minutes of the second leg of the Tigres - Necaxa showdown. In the 82nd minute, Agustín Palavecino found the back of the net, bringing Necaxa level and increasing the intensity of the Tigres - Necaxa tie. Just four minutes later, Tomás Badaloni scored a second goal for Necaxa, putting the visitors ahead 2-1 on aggregate and temporarily turning the tide in favor of Necaxa in this high-stakes Tigres - Necaxa matchup.
However, Tigres refused to back down. With time running out in the Tigres - Necaxa quarterfinal clash, a moment of fortune arrived. In the 97th minute, a dangerous cross into the box forced Necaxa defender Alejandro Mayorga into an unfortunate own goal, tying the Tigres - Necaxa match at 2-2 on aggregate. After a tense VAR review, the goal stood, and Tigres celebrated a dramatic equalizer that saved their season.
Under Liga MX rules, ties in the quarterfinals are decided by regular-season standings if the aggregate score is level. Thanks to their higher position, Tigres emerged victorious from the Tigres - Necaxa duel and moved into the semifinals.
The Tigres - Necaxa fixture showcased tactical brilliance, emotional highs and lows, and late-match drama, making it one of the standout games of the Clausura 2025 playoffs. Though Necaxa exited the tournament, their performance in the Tigres - Necaxa series won admiration across the league. Tigres, meanwhile, march into the semifinals, battle-tested from a grueling Tigres - Necaxa series that will be remembered for its intensity and last-minute heroics.
As they prepare for the next stage, Tigres will look to carry forward the lessons and momentum gained from their unforgettable Tigres - Necaxa quarterfinal thriller.
