Monterrey, Mexico – Tigres UANL advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup with a dominant 4-1 victory over Forge FC of Canada on , at Estadio Universitario. The win secured a 4-1 aggregate victory for Tigres, who had drawn the first leg 0-0 in Hamilton, Ontario.
After a scoreless first half, Tigres exploded with three second-half goals, fueled by a strong performance from debutante Búfalo Aguirre, who scored twice. Joaquim and Ángel Aguirre also found the back of the net for the Mexican side.
The match began with a cautious approach from both teams, reminiscent of the first leg. Tigres, playing on home turf, aimed to leverage the energy of the crowd and the advantage of familiar surroundings. However, Forge proved to be a resilient opponent, mirroring the defensive solidity they displayed in Canada. The first half concluded without either team able to break the deadlock.
The second half witnessed a significant shift in momentum. Tigres manager made adjustments, introducing fresh legs and altering the tactical approach. The changes proved effective as the home side began to assert their dominance. Aguirre’s arrival injected a new dimension into the Tigres attack and his two goals quickly turned the tide. Initial whistles from a section of the crowd, seemingly directed at the newcomer, quickly transformed into cheers as he found the net.
Joaquim added his name to the scoresheet with a well-placed finish, further solidifying Tigres’ control. Ángel Correa then sealed the victory with a late goal, completing the 4-1 rout. The final scoreline reflected Tigres’ superior firepower and their ability to capitalize on opportunities in the second half.
The victory wasn’t just about the score; it was a statement of intent from Tigres. The team demonstrated its strength at home, proving that the “Volcán” – as Estadio Universitario is known – remains a formidable fortress. The performance also served as a welcome boost following the recent departure of Nico Ibáñez to Cruz Azul.
The arrival of Rodrigo Aguirre from América was also a key storyline heading into the match. His debut, marked by the aforementioned initial skepticism from some fans, ultimately ended on a high note as he contributed to the team’s attacking prowess. The goals scored by both Aguirre and Joaquim underscored the depth and quality within the Tigres squad.
The match took place at local time at Estadio Universitario. Fans followed the action through minute-by-minute coverage on aztecadeportes.com.
Tigres’ reward for their victory is a spot in the Round of 16, where they will face either FC Cincinnati or O&M FC of the Dominican Republic. The next round promises to be a challenging test for Tigres as they continue their pursuit of Concacaf Champions Cup glory.
The first leg in Hamilton was played in challenging conditions, with temperatures plummeting to -8 degrees Celsius. The cold weather hampered ball control and nearly resulted in an injury to goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán. The return leg in Monterrey offered a stark contrast, with Tigres taking full advantage of the favorable conditions and the passionate support of their home fans.
This win for Tigres underscores their ambition to compete at the highest level in Concacaf. The team’s performance against Forge FC demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity and deliver results when it matters most. As they prepare for the Round of 16, Tigres will undoubtedly be looking to build on this momentum and make a deep run in the tournament.