Analysis The numbers behind the result
Tigres edge tight clash with penalty and possession control
Tigres UANL's narrow 1-0 victory over Puebla was deserved, albeit by a slim margin, with their penalty proving decisive in a match where they edged the key attacking metrics. Despite only a 0.3 xG advantage from open play (total shots: 12 vs 10), Tigres converted their sole big chance – Juan Brunetta's 54th-minute penalty – while limiting Puebla to just one shot on target. Their 56% possession translated into superior chance creation, with 8 shots inside the box to Puebla's 5 and 5 corners to Puebla's none.
The hosts' control stemmed from midfield dominance, completing 424 accurate passes (495 total) compared to Puebla's 311 (392 total). Puebla's defensive approach – highlighted by just 1 yellow card and 9 fouls – ultimately faltered from Facundo Almada's conceded penalty. Tigres' defensive compactness was key, restricting Puebla to speculative efforts (5 shots outside the box) and only one meaningful save required. The decisive stat? Tigres' 4 shots on target to Puebla's 1 – a clinical edge in a low-xG contest.