SportsDonna

At Ciudad de los Deportes, the first leg of the Liga MX Femenil Apertura 2025 Final was a spectacular evening that ended in a thrilling 3–3 draw between America and Tigres UANL. What started out as the Águilas’ dominant performance soon turned into one of the league final’s most memorable comebacks. Both teams entered the series with high expectations, and the match’s intensity and emotional swings set the stage for what looks to be an exciting second leg finale.

By halftime, Rodríguez had established what appeared to be an unbeatable 3-0 lead. After Sarah Luebbert was fouled, Irene Guerrero scored the first goal from the penalty spot. A few minutes later, Luebbert was involved once more, earning a second penalty that Scarlett Camberos converted. Luebbert’s spectacular long-range goal before halftime capped a commanding first half in which Rodríguez dominated the tempo, rhythm, and midfield.

However, Tigres responded firmly in the second half, living up to their championship history. With a strong left-footed finish, Stephany Mayor started the comeback and gave Tigres the upper hand. The deficit was reduced to one with a clinical finish in transition by Thembi Kgatlana, whose speed caused issues throughout the evening. Jhenniffer Cordalini changed the course of the series when she rose at the back post to head home the 3-3 goal in the final minutes.

The comeback was a result of Tigres’ halftime adjustments, which included increased pressure, faster ball recovery, and more aggressive wing play—elements that Rodríguez found difficult to control after halftime. Meanwhile, the Águilas were unable to maintain the sharpness that defined their first half, leaving the door open for Tigres to exploit defensive lapses and regain control of the match.

Since the series is tied, the decisive second leg will take place at El Volcán on November 23. After their comeback, the Tigres now have a psychological advantage, but Rodríguez has already demonstrated that they can quickly and creatively dismantle the Tigres back line. Sunday’s game has all the makings of a thrilling and excellent conclusion to the 2025 Apertura season, with a trophy on the line and two of the league’s best teams competing once more.