Tigres’ Champions Cup comeback: Mexico’s latest epic turnaround
Tigres joins the list of Mexican teams that have managed to overcome three-goal first-leg deficits in CONCACAF competitions.
Tigres pulled off a stunning comeback on Thursday, defeating FC Cincinnati 5-1 to erase a three‑goal deficit and take the series 5-4 on aggregate.
The decisive moment came in the 99th minute, when Fernando Gorriarán delivered the clinching goal, igniting the crowd and securing Tigres’ place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.
The comeback by Guido Pizarro’s squad now joins a select list of Mexican teams that have overturned three‑goal deficits in CONCACAF competitions.
Toluca turnaround in 2003
One of the most memorable moments in ‘Concachampions’ history came in a semifinal tie between Deportivo Toluca and Club América 23 years ago. In the first leg, América visited the Estadio Nemesio Díez and came away with a commanding 4-1 win.
But on May 14, 2003, in the return leg at Estadio Azteca, Toluca responded with a resounding 4-0 victory. With that result, Los Diablos Rojos completed an intense, hard‑fought series played across two iconic venues.
América’s 2015 comeback
Another standout case occurred in the 2015 CONCACAF Champions League semifinals. In the first leg on March 17, Herediano stunned América with a dominant 3-0 win at the Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero.
However, the second leg on April 8, 2015, at Estadio Azteca produced one of the most legendary turnarounds in tournament history. América overwhelmed their Costa Rican opponents, winning 6-0 - including an astonishing 5-0 first half - to advance in emphatic fashion.
Pumas and their epic 2022 qualification
More recently, Pumas delivered another unforgettable comeback in 2022 against the New England Revolution. After losing the quarterfinal first leg 3-0, Los Universitarios matched the scoreline at home to level the series, then advanced 4-3 on penalties.
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