Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul Prediction, TV Channel and How to Watch

Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul prediction headlines an intense Liga MX Apertura 2025 semifinal second leg at Estadio Universitario on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Monterrey. The tie is level 1-1 after the first leg, with Tigres holding the advantage as the higher seed and now returning home. Fans in Mexico and the United States will have several TV and live streaming options to watch the decisive clash live.

In the first leg in Mexico City, Tigres struck first before Cruz Azul equalized from the penalty spot in a high-pressure encounter. With the aggregate score tied and the away-goals rule not in effect, Tigres only need a draw at home to reach the Apertura 2025 final, while Cruz Azul must win on the night. That dynamic heavily shapes both the prediction and how each coach is expected to approach the second leg.

Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul prediction, kickoff time and TV schedule

The Tigres vs Cruz Azul second leg kicks off at 9:10 p.m. local time in San Nicolás de los Garza on Saturday, December 6, 2025. That corresponds to 10:10 p.m. ET and 7:10 p.m. PT in the United States. The match will be played at Estadio Universitario, commonly known as El Volcán, where Tigres have been one of the strongest home teams in Liga MX this season.

In Mexico, the game is scheduled to be shown on major free-to-air and cable broadcasters, including Canal 5 (Televisa), Azteca 7, TUDN and ViX, with Tubi and FOX also carrying coverage in some listings. In the United States, recent broadcast guides list FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Estrella TV among the primary Spanish-language options, with some streaming platforms such as Fubo Sports and Peacock also picked up for this semifinal. Availability can vary by region and provider, so viewers should confirm listings with their local service.

The first leg finished 1-1 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where Tigres took the lead through Ángel Correa before Gabriel Fernández equalized for Cruz Azul from the penalty spot. Cruz Azul dominated possession and shots but could not find a winner against Nahuel Guzmán, who produced several key saves to preserve the draw.

Key details, form guide and Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul prediction

Across the regular Apertura 2025 season, Tigres finished second in the table, with Cruz Azul just behind in third, separated by a single point. Tigres posted 36 points from 17 games with a strong goal difference, while Cruz Azul finished on 35 points after a similarly consistent campaign. That higher seed status means Tigres advance with any aggregate draw, putting extra pressure on Cruz Azul in the second leg.

Recent form strongly favors Tigres at home. Over their last 10 league outings, Tigres have produced six wins, three draws and only one defeat, with more than two goals scored per match on average and close to 60 percent possession. At Estadio Universitario specifically, they have strung together multiple consecutive wins and have taken the majority of their last 10 home games, turning El Volcán into one of the toughest away trips in Mexico.

Cruz Azul arrive with solid form of their own but slightly less dominant numbers away from home. In their last 10 league matches, they have four wins, four draws and two losses, averaging around 1.5 goals per game and maintaining more than half of the ball on average. Gabriel Fernández leads their scoring charts in recent weeks, supported by important contributions from Jeremy Márquez and Ángel Sepúlveda, while Carlos Rodríguez has been a key creative presence from midfield.

For Tigres, Juan Brunetta and Ángel Correa remain the main attacking threats. Brunetta has been prolific at home across the Apertura campaign and is one of the most decisive players in the league in terms of goals and assists. Correa’s ability to drift inside from wide positions and link with veteran striker André-Pierre Gignac gives Tigres a multi-layered attack. Behind them, Romulo and Fernando Gorriarán provide balance in midfield, while the back line led by Jesús Angulo and Marco Farfán will need to withstand Cruz Azul’s pressure.

Cruz Azul’s game plan will likely revolve around a compact back three and quick transitions through Rodríguez, José Paradela and Carlos Rotondi. Gabriel Fernández, who converted the penalty in the first leg, will again be the focal point up front. If Cruz Azul are forced to chase the game late, their wingbacks and attacking midfielders will push higher, which could open spaces for Tigres’ counters.

Based on current form, home advantage and the aggregate scenario, the Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul prediction leans slightly toward a Tigres victory in a tight match. A one-goal win for Tigres or a low-scoring draw both fit the pattern of the recent head-to-head meetings, which have been balanced but generally close on the scoreboard.

Predicted Tigres lineup (3-4-2-1): Nahuel Guzmán; Joaquim, Jesús Angulo, Marco Farfán; Jesús Ángel Garza, Fernando Gorriarán, Romulo, Ángel Correa; Diego Laínez, Juan Francisco Brunetta; André-Pierre Gignac.

Predicted Cruz Azul lineup (3-4-2-1): Andrés Gudiño; Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Erik Lira; Ignacio Rivero, Ángel Jeremy Márquez, Lorenzo Faravelli, Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi; José Antonio Paradela, Carlos Rodríguez; Gabriel Fernández. These projected lineups may still change once official XI announcements are released closer to kickoff, so fans should keep an eye on team news.

Second-leg stakes, tactical outlook and what is at risk

The stakes for this Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul prediction go beyond a single match. The winner advances to the Apertura 2025 final, where scheduling even depends on which side qualifies because of Cruz Azul’s potential commitments in international competition. If Cruz Azul go through, the final is expected to be pushed deeper into December; if Tigres advance, the final dates remain earlier in the month.

Because Tigres progress with a draw, Guido Pizarro’s side may prioritize control and compactness in midfield, only committing numbers forward when clear opportunities appear. They have the tools to dominate possession spells but also to sit deep and counter through Laínez, Correa and Brunetta when Cruz Azul push their wingbacks high. The presence of Gignac gives them an outlet for long passes and set-piece danger.

Cruz Azul coach Nicolás Larcamón has to balance urgency with discipline. An early goal would drastically change the tone of the night, but overcommitting too soon could play into Tigres’ strengths. Expect Cruz Azul to press in phases, look for overloads out wide and rely on Fernández’s movement in the box. Late in the match, if the aggregate remains tied and time is running out, Cruz Azul may have to take more risks, which could turn the final minutes into a wide-open contest.

In summary, the Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul prediction favors Tigres to edge the second leg thanks to their strong home form, higher regular-season finish and the advantage of needing only a draw. But Cruz Azul have already shown in this playoff run that they can respond in high-pressure situations, so viewers should expect a tight, tense semifinal decider under the lights at El Volcán.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time does Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul start?

The second leg kicks off at 9:10 p.m. local time in Monterrey on Saturday, December 6, 2025. In the United States, that is 10:10 p.m. ET and 7:10 p.m. PT.

Q2: How can I watch Tigres vs Cruz Azul live in the USA?

Spanish-language coverage in the U.S. is scheduled on FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Estrella TV, with additional streaming options such as Fubo Sports and Peacock depending on your provider. Viewers should check local listings to confirm exact channel details.

Q3: Where can I watch Tigres vs Cruz Azul in Mexico?

In Mexico, the match is set to air on Canal 5 (Televisa), Azteca 7, TUDN and ViX, with some platforms also offering Tubi and FOX coverage. These networks have carried the Liga MX Apertura 2025 semifinals across the country.

Q4: Who is favored to reach the Apertura 2025 final?

Tigres are considered slight favorites because they finished higher in the regular-season table and play the second leg at home. With the aggregate tie currently level, they advance with any draw while Cruz Azul must win on the night.

Q5: What is the best Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul prediction for this match?

Given Tigres’ recent home record and the tactical setup, a narrow Tigres win or a low-scoring draw is a realistic prediction. Expect a tight, tense game with both teams aware that a single mistake could decide the semifinal.