America vs. UANL: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Liga MX Final
UANL are 90 minutes away from securing their fourth Liga MX title, but the feat won't be easy. Tigres only hold a one-goal advantage over America, and they'll play at Estadio Azteca.
When Ricardo Ferretti's side defeated Las Aguilas at Estadio Universitario, they not only stood one step closer to winning the 2014 Apertura tournament, but also broke a five-week winless streak.
Tigres advanced to the final showdown without winning a single Liguilla match, while America trashed Monterrey 0-3 in the quarter-finals, but haven't won ever since.
With the most wanted trophy in Mexican football at stake, let's take a look at the issues and decisions that will shape the second leg of the Liga MX final.
Rubens Sambueza or Luis Gabriel Rey?
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America haven't scored since they defeated Monterrey in the quarter-finals first leg held at Estadio Tecnologico.
In that match Luis Angel Mendoza secured a brace, while Efrain Velarde netted in his own goal.
But what is more worrisome is the lack of consistency of key players, such as Rubens Sambueza, Luis Gabriel Rey and Oribe Peralta.
The last time Sambueza scored was in Matchday 5, Peralta did it in November, while Rey has yet to put the ball away this season.
Coach Antonio Mohamed paired Peralta and Rey in the first leg, but the duo never clicked. Sambueza only appeared 15 minutes and couldn't do much to help a confused and hurt America.
While Peralta has yet to prove himself in the Liguilla, he has started every single match of the tournament, so he will appear in the second leg.
The issue now is determining who should accompany him. Sambueza is a player with more resources, which turns him into an unbalancing and technical footballer, especially around the box.
Playing at the Estadio Azteca vs. UANL Is No Guarantee for America
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America couldn't ask for a better scenario to try to tilt the scale in their favour. However, defeating this weekend's rival will be far from easy.
In the last 10 years, these clubs have met 12 times at the Estadio Azteca. The home team has only secured two wins, while the away side has five victories. The other five matches ended in draws.
Tigres' record at America's turf puts them one step closer to the title, because if they manage to keep the score tied, they will hoist the champion's trophy.
Don't be surprised if Ricardo Ferretti decides to go with a defensive strategy.
Is Ventura Alvarado the Right Man to Substitute Paul Aguilar?
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No, Ventura Alvarado is not the right man to substitute Paul Aguilar.
Lucas Silva proved to be in better shape than the America defender. He was faster and stronger, which allowed him to overpower Alvarado constantly.
Eventually this meant the winning goal for UANL at Estadio Universitario.
So who should take Aguilar's place?
Osmar Mares did a good job in the quarter-finals second leg. Despite a very poor performance in the first match, he overcame his mistakes and proved that he only needs continuity to take care of the right flank.
In that game, Mares won 50 percent of his duels and completed 78 percent of the passes he sent, he also made two interceptions, three clearances and one block.
UANL Haven't Lost Since August 2014
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UANL only lost twice in the 2014 Apertura. The first time, it happened in Matchday 4 against America and the second one in Week 7 versus Chiapas.
Tigres haven't lost outside their own turf during this tournament. Just in the regular season they registered three victories and six draws, becoming the second-best away team of the Apertura.
With their win at Estadio Universitario, they broke a five-week winless streak. This is meaningful because the last time Tigres lost immediately after winning a match was in the 2014 Clausura, in Matchday 12 against Queretaro.
Can America overturn this?
What Formation Should Antonio Mohamed Use?
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Antonio Mohamed has a very flexible side, which allows him to use different formations.
He has used the traditional 4-4-2, but also the 5-3-2 and the 4-3-3 systems. This could be Mohamed's last game in charge of America and tactics will be crucial if he wants to leave with a win and a title.
Las Aguilas need to find the balance between lines, which starts in the back line. The defense has been very shaky in the past couple of games, while the offense has to start converting the few goal opportunities they have.
Since Ricardo Ferretti's side will try to keep their one-goal advantage, Mohamed will probably go with a more offensive formation, so the 4-3-3 seems like a good fit.
If his side struggles, he can always regroup and turn it into a 4-2-2.
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