Anytime Monterrey and Tigres face each other, it usually causes people to stop and pay attention. A clash between two of Mexico's most successful clubs, a Clásico del Norte, where only one can reach this season's Liga MX Clausura semi-final.
If the last meeting is anything to go by, then neutrals are in for a treat. In April, the two faced at Monterrey's Estadio BBVA, where fans were treated to a six-goal thriller. Two goals in the first eight minutes was a taste of things to come. The visitors went into added time with a 3-2 lead, thanks to what Juan Brunetta believed to be the winning goal. However, Los Rayados stole a point in the 90+10' due to a glancing header from Germán Berterame. This goal sparked controversy given that the officials gave eight minutes of added time but allowed for the clock to roll over as Monterrey netted a late equaliser.
The last five times these two have faced, it has offered blockbuster viewing. A record that shows for two wins for Tigres, two draws and a win for Monterrey, there is no easy betting for which way this game will go. 13 goals across those five matches, with nine coming in the last two games, fans could be in for a goal-fest this Thursday at the BBVA.
History
In the history of this intracity rivalry, the two have faced each other 135 times, with the first meeting taking place at Tigres' Estadio Universitario in 1974. That first clash between the two also ended in a 3-3 tie, before Monterrey secured the first-ever win during the second meeting six months later, winning 2-1 at the Universitario.
Across the 135 meetings between Los Rayados and Los Auriazules, it is the latter who have come out on top. Winning on 49 occasions, four times more than Monterrey with the two ending with a stalemate 41 times.
The highest scoring game between Tigres and Monterrey came Feburary 2000 as fans were treated to a nine goal thriller. A game that saw Tigres come out on top by a 6-3 scoreline.
Last season, along Tigres' way to lifting the Clausura championship, they knocked Monterrey out of the competition. A tight encounter that witnessed a 1-1 tie at Tigres' Estadio Universitario in the first leg ensued before they caused a shock at the Estadio BBVA as Francisco Córdova scored a winner to send Los Auriazules through to the final, where they went on to beat Chivas.
The standout fixture in the history of this rivalry came in 1985. A friendly scheduled between the two to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Mexican Football Federation. However, things turned sour with fans from both teams fighting in the stands, leading to chaos and disruption. Seven minutes into the game the referee decided to suspend the game for the safety of players and spectators. Highlighting the intense rivalry between the two clubs, this occasion showed exactly the level to which the fan bases of these clubs despise each other.
Team News
In preparation for this game, Tigres have had a few days extra to prepare. Their last game was on Saturday, 27th April, during a 4-1 win over Tijuana, whilst Monterrey faced Columbus Crew on Wednesday, 1st May, bowing out of the CONCACAF Champions League to miss out on a final with Pachuca.
Despite having a few extra days of rest, Tigres are likely to miss more of their squad than their city counterparts. David Ayala, Diego Reyes, Eduardo Tercero, Guido Pizarro, Juan Pablo Vigón and Jonathan Herrera are all about for this game as Córdova is likely to miss the game through a thigh injury that he recently picked up in anticipation of this Clásico Norteño. Also missing this clash is Nahuel Guzmán, the goalkeeper who picked up a knee injury in March against Club América.
As for Los Rayados, Sebastián Vargas came off early against Columbus with a knee injury and is expected to miss the tie as Jesús Corona and Erick Aguirre are both nursing injuries themselves which could be risked for the Thursday fixture.
Key Match Information
Kickoff:
Thursday 9th May 2024, 21:10 CST
Location:
Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
Where to watch it:
(Mexico) Canal 5, TUDN or ViX Premium - Streaming;
(United States) ViX Premium - Streaming