Toluca vs. UANL: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Liga MX Semi-Final
The first leg of the first semi-final of the 2014 Apertura Liguilla will take place on Thursday, December 4, when Toluca host UANL at Estadio Nemesio Diez.
The home team advanced to this stage after two draws to one goal against Chiapas. The squad's performances were overshadowed by their lack of power in the attacking zone and a shaky defense.
UANL's scenario is not different and made it to the semi-final barely. Tigres visited Pachuca and left Estadio Hidalgo with a one-goal draw. They had the same result in the second leg at Estadio Universitario.
Both clubs took advantage of their position in the general table to make it to the next round, but they have to step up if they want to impress their fans and have a shot at winning the title.
Let's take a look at the issues and decisions that will shape the Liga MX semi-final.
Is This Toluca's Shot at Revenge?
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Toluca have faced UANL twice in one month, and they have lost both matches.
They played in late October at Estadio Universitario in the Copa MX quarterfinals. Tigres took advantage of playing on home soil and won the game 2-0.
A month later they met in Week 17 of the 2014 Apertura tournament. By that time, Diablos Rojos sat second in the general table, while Tigres were third.
Once again, UANL overpowered Toluca at Estadio Universitario, which also meant taking over the second place of the tournament and a spot in the second stage of the Copa Libertadores, leaving Diablos Rojos out of the South American competition.
This is the perfect shot at revenge for Jose Saturnino and his footballers.
Who Will Substitute Juninho?
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Bad news for UANL, as Juninho suffered an Achilles tendon rupture during a training session ahead of the semi-final.
Tigres' captain and regular-season top scorer, will miss the remaining of the Liguilla, plus the 2015 Clausura tournament and the Copa Libertadores, according to Mexican website MedioTiempo.com (Spanish).
Now the question is: Who can replace him?
Juninho put the ball away five times in 17 appearances and had 85 percent pass accuracy.
His defensive skills were also instrumental for Tigres, as he made 68 clearances, 27 interceptions and seven blocks.
Ricardo Ferretti's options include Edgar Duenas, who despite being a natural midfielder can also take over the center of the box, Jose Rivas and Antonio Briseno.
Can Lucas Lobos Finally Make a Difference on the Pitch?
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Lucas Lobos played for UANL from 2008 to 2013, for a total of 13 seasons. Overall, Lobos appeared in six Liguillas and won one title with Tigres.
This will be the third time that Lobos will face his old club since he arrived in Toluca, the second occasion in a knockout stage (he appeared in the 2014 Apertura Copa MX quarterfinals) and the first one in a Liguilla.
In the past two games, Lobos hasn't been a threat to UANL, and has underperformed throughout the season, comparing his endurance and results while he played for Tigres.
This season, Lobos scored once in 16 appearances and had 41 percent shot accuracy. A year ago, in the 2013 Apertura (still with UANL), he put the ball away three times in 17 games and created 41 goal opportunities.
Will he finally make a difference on the pitch? And if so, can he do it against his old team?
UANL Must Take Advantage of Toluca's Weakness in the Back Line
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UANL have several lethal players in the attacking zone. From Herculez Gomez to Edgar Lugo, coach Ricardo Ferretti certainly has where to choose.
Although they failed to prove their worth against Pachuca, Tigres have a fantastic opportunity against Toluca.
Diablos Rojos have been far from impressive in the back line. Paulo Da Silva has tried hard to organize the defense, but his teammates are not in sync. This was evident in the quarterfinals against Chiapas, as they were close to losing the second leg.
Toluca finished the 2014 Apertura regular season as the seventh-best defense of the season. They could have been worse, but Alfredo Talavera's performance was fundamental in helping his club reach the Liguilla, as it included six clean sheets and 97 percent claim success.
This will be a good opportunity for Tigres to display verticality, depth and forcefulness.
Toluca Have to Take Advantage of Playing on Home Soil
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During the regular season, Toluca only lost once on home soil. Leon managed to secure a 2-3 victory in their visit to Estadio Nemesio Diez in Matchday 14.
The last time UANL defeated Diablos Rojos at Toluca was in the 2013 Clausura tournament, when they overpowered them 1-4.
The scenario is very different when it comes to the Liguilla. UANL won last at Estadio Nemesio Diez in the 2003 Clausura Liguilla quarterfinals. In the first leg, Tigres secured a 1-2 victory.
Also, Toluca have won three of the past six Liga MX games held at Estadio Universitario, and when they have met in the Liguilla, UANL is unbeaten on home soil.
Diablos Rojos need to make the most of the first leg. They have to win and with a big goal difference, because a draw in the aggregate score would give UANL the ticket to the final showdown.
