Brunetta's Strike Sends Tigres UANL to Fifth Champions Cup Final

Key facts

• Tigres UANL defeated Nashville SC 1-0 in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal on Tuesday at Estadio Universitario.
• Juan Brunetta scored the only goal in the 68th minute, assisted by Ángel Correa, with a shot valued at 0.16 expected goals.
• Tigres advanced 2-0 on aggregate, becoming the first team to not concede a goal over both legs of a semifinal since Club América in 2021.
• Nashville SC managed seven shots but none on target, failing to test Tigres' defense.
• This is Tigres' fifth final appearance in the modern era of the competition, equaling crosstown rivals CF Monterrey for the most since 2008.
• Tigres will face the winner of the series between Deportivo Toluca FC and Los Angeles FC in the final on May 30.
• Reed Baker-Whiting won all five of his aerial duels for Nashville, matching the highest total with a 100% success rate this season.

A Defensive Masterclass in San Nicolás de los Garza

Tigres UANL booked their place in the Concacaf Champions Cup final with a disciplined defensive performance, holding Nashville SC scoreless over two legs. The second leg, played at Estadio Universitario on Tuesday, ended 1-0, giving the Mexican side a 2-0 aggregate victory. Nashville entered the match needing a goal to level the tie after a 1-0 first-leg defeat, but they failed to register a single shot on target across the 90 minutes. Tigres, meanwhile, absorbed pressure and struck decisively through Juan Brunetta in the 68th minute.

Brunetta's Decisive Moment Breaks the Deadlock

After a scoreless first half, the breakthrough came when Ángel Correa delivered a pass into the box, and Brunetta fired his first shot of the match into the net. The goal, worth 0.16 expected goals, was enough to secure the win. Brunetta also led Tigres in key passes (3) and crosses (6), underlining his influence on the game. The Argentine midfielder has been a pivotal figure in Tigres' Champions Cup campaign.

Nashville's Offensive Struggles Continue

Nashville SC managed seven shots over the match but none tested Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán. The MLS side's best chance came from Reed Baker-Whiting, who won all five of his aerial duels, but the team lacked creativity in the final third. Tigres became the first team to hold an opponent without a shot on target in a Champions Cup semifinal since the New York Red Bulls against Guadalajara in 2018. The Mexican side also kept Nashville from registering a shot on target in the first half, a feat they have achieved three times this tournament.

Historic Defensive Feat and Final Berth

Tigres are the first team to avoid conceding a goal across both legs of a Champions Cup semifinal since Club América defeated the Philadelphia Union 4-0 on aggregate in 2021. This defensive solidity has been a hallmark of their campaign. With the win, Tigres advance to the final for the first time since winning the tournament in 2020. It will be the club's fifth final appearance in the modern era of the competition, equaling crosstown rivals CF Monterrey for the most since 2008.

What Lies Ahead: The Final on May 30

Tigres will now await the winner of the other semifinal between Deportivo Toluca FC and Los Angeles FC. The final is scheduled for May 30, with Tigres aiming to capture their second Champions Cup title. For Nashville, the elimination ends a historic run in the competition. The MLS side had hoped to become the first team from the league to reach the final since 2022, but they fell short against a resolute Tigres defense.

The bottom line

• Tigres UANL advanced to the Concacaf Champions Cup final with a 2-0 aggregate win over Nashville SC.
• Juan Brunetta's 68th-minute goal was the difference, his first shot of the match.
• Nashville SC failed to register a shot on target in either leg, a rare feat in semifinal history.
• Tigres will play in their fifth final since 2008, tying Monterrey for the most appearances.
• The final will be held on May 30 against either Toluca or LAFC.
• Reed Baker-Whiting's perfect aerial duel record was a bright spot for Nashville.