Teams who have recovered from a deficit of three goals or more in the Liga MX playoffs
Tigres will be hoping history can repeat itself so that the team prolongs its participation in the current Apertura 2025 tournament.
The biggest surprise of the Apertura 2025 came last night in the first leg of the Liga MX quarterfinals, as Tijuana delivered a commanding 3–0 victory over Tigres UANL.
Under the leadership of Sebastián “Loco” Abreu, Tijuana looked sharp and decisive, putting one foot firmly in the semifinals. Still, with 90 minutes left to play, Tigres are clinging to hopes of a comeback—a rare feat, but not unprecedented in Mexican soccer.
Historic three-goal comebacks in Liga MX playoffs
Club América: Prode 1985
In the controversial tournament held just before the World Cup, América fell 1–4 to Tampico Madero in the first leg of the final. But the return match was all “Azulcrema.” América stormed back with a 4–0 win, clinching the championship 5–4 on aggregate.
Chivas: Clausura 2003
During the reclassification round in spring 2003, Chivas were crushed 1–4 by Cruz Azul in the first leg. The second leg flipped the script: Chivas won 4–1, tying the series 5–5 and advancing thanks to their higher seed in the standings.
Tigres: Apertura 2005
Facing América in the quarterfinals, Tigres were down 0-3 in the tie until Julio César Rodríguez scored to give them a 3-1 lead going into the second leg. That December 4 game became a historic upset at the Azteca Stadium, with Tigres winning the second leg 4-1, eliminating the reigning champions on their home turf and erasing a significant deficit.
Pumas: Guard1anes 2020
This remains the largest comeback in Liga MX history. Cruz Azul dominated the semifinal first leg with a 4–0 rout, seemingly booking their ticket to the final. But Pumas had other plans. In a legendary performance, they returned the favor with a 4–0 win of their own, advancing on aggregate and etching their comeback into league lore.
Cruz Azul: Apertura 2024
Just last year, Tijuana shocked Cruz Azul with a 3–0 win in the quarterfinal first leg. But La Máquina, led by Martín Anselmi, erased the deficit in the return match. Despite Tijuana’s strong regular season, Cruz Azul advanced thanks to their higher seed, proving once again that no lead is truly safe in Liga MX.
What’s next?
Tigres now face the daunting task of replicating one of these historic turnarounds when they host Tijuana in the second leg.
Kickoff is set for Sunday at 9:00 p.m. ET, and fans across Mexico—and beyond—will be watching to see if Tigres can add their name to the list of epic Liga MX comebacks.
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