Tigres vs Atlas: ¡La XI Titular con Sorpresas de Última Hora!
Tigres UANL Eliminated from Leagues Cup 2026 — But They’re Still Unbeaten! What Happens Next?
Quick Update: Tigres played their last Leagues Cup game on August 15, 2026, and now turn their focus to Liga MX Jornada 4 against Atlas FC at Estadio Jalisco.
What Is the Leagues Cup? (ELI5 Explanation)
Think of the Leagues Cup like a big summer tournament where teams from Mexico (Liga MX) and the USA/Canada (MLS) play against each other. It happens during the regular season break. Teams are put into groups, and only the best teams from each group move on to the knockout rounds (like the World Cup).
What Happened to Tigres in the Leagues Cup?
Tigres UANL had a very weird tournament. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- They didn’t lose a single game in regular time — they tied all 3 group matches.
- They won all 3 penalty shootouts — earning an extra point each time (that’s how the Leagues Cup works: win in penalties = 2 points, lose in penalties = 1 point).
- Total: 6 points (3 draws × 1 point + 3 penalty wins × 1 extra point).
- But it wasn’t enough — they finished outside the top 4 in Group A, so they’re out.
Important Callout:
Being "unbeaten" doesn’t always mean you advance. In this tournament format, draws only give 1 point, and you need wins (3 points) to climb the table. Tigres drew too many games.
Who’s in Charge? Meet Interim Coach Hernán Elizondo
Since the head coach left (or was fired), Hernán Elizondo has been the interim manager — like a substitute teacher taking over the class.
Good news: He’s still unbeaten (3 draws, 3 penalty wins). The players trust him, and the team looks organized.
What’s Next? Liga MX Returns!
Tigres doesn’t have time to be sad. They jump straight back into Liga MX (the Mexican league) for Jornada 4 (Matchday 4).
Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Atlas FC vs. Tigres UANL |
| Date | Saturday, August 15, 2026 |
| Time (US) | 11:10 PM ET / 8:10 PM PT |
| Time (Mexico) | 9:10 PM CDMX |
| Stadium | Estadio Jalisco (Guadalajara) |
| TV/Streaming | Check local listings (TUDN, ViX, etc.) |
Note: This is an away game for Tigres. Atlas fans will pack the stadium!
Predicted Tigres Lineup (4-2-3-1 Formation)
The coach will likely use a 4-2-3-1 — that means:
4 defenders → 2 defensive midfielders → 3 attacking midfielders → 1 striker
Goalkeeper
- Nahuel Guzmán (Argentina) — The veteran leader. Just got a crazy red card in the Leagues Cup, but should be back (suspension may not carry to Liga MX).
Defenders (Back 4)
| Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Right Back | Jesús Garza (Mexico) | Young, earned his spot, very reliable |
| Center Back | Joaquim Pereira (Brazil) | Rock-solid, one of the first names on the team sheet |
| Center Back | Alan Franco (Argentina) | New signing this season, competing with Zwarg |
| Left Back | Vladimir Loroña (Mexico) | Filling in for injured Jesús Angulo — doing a great job |
Midfielders
| Role | Player | Why He Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Mid | César Araújo (Uruguay) | Great partner for Gorriarán, wins balls, keeps it simple |
| Defensive Mid | Fernando Gorriarán (Uruguay) — CAPTAIN | The engine. Leads, tackles, passes, organizes. Heart of the team. |
| Right Wing | Diego Lainez (Mexico) | Fast, tricky, beats defenders 1v1. Always dangerous. |
| Attacking Mid | Juan Brunetta (Argentina) | The "number 10" — creates chances, scores, assists. Magic feet. |
| Left Wing | Ozziel Herrera (Mexico) | Speed, crosses, works hard defensively. Earned his start. |
Striker
- Rodrigo Aguirre (Uruguay) — Nicknamed "El Búfalo" (The Buffalo)
He’s the only true center forward right now. All goals depend on him. Big pressure, but he’s strong, holds the ball, and finishes.
Predicted Atlas Lineup (4-4-2 Formation)
Atlas will likely play 4-4-2 — two strikers up top, four midfielders in a line.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| GK | Camilo Vargas (Colombia) — Experienced, great shot-stopper |
| Defenders | Gustavo Ferrareis, Manuel Capasso, Edgar Zaldívar, Milton Valenzuela |
| Midfielders | Armando González, Rodrigo Schlegel, Sergio Hernández, Luís Esteves |
| Strikers | Duk (Cape Verde) + Ryan Mmaee (Morocco) — Pace & power duo |
Key Battle: Tigres’ back line (Pereira & Franco) vs. Atlas’ two strikers (Duk & Mmaee). This will decide the game.
Why This Match Matters
- Liga MX points count for the season table — unlike Leagues Cup.
- Tigres needs wins, not draws, to climb the standings.
- Momentum — a win here builds confidence after tournament exit.
- Away at Jalisco is one of the toughest trips in Mexico.
Summary: What You Need to Know
| Good News | Bad News |
|---|---|
| Tigres unbeaten in 6 games under Elizondo | Eliminated from Leagues Cup despite 6 points |
| Strong, settled lineup taking shape | Only one striker (Aguirre) — no backup |
| Key players (Gorriarán, Brunetta, Lainez) in form | Playing away at hostile Estadio Jalisco |
| Defense looks solid with Pereira & Franco | Must turn draws into wins in Liga MX |
Bottom Line: Tigres is playing well but draws won’t win leagues. They need 3 points Saturday.
FAQ — Your Questions Answered
Why did Tigres get eliminated if they didn’t lose?
Because in the Leagues Cup, a draw = 1 point, penalty win = +1 point (2 total), regulation win = 3 points. Tigres got 6 points from 3 draws + 3 penalty wins. Other teams got more points by winning in 90 minutes. Draws don’t give enough points.
Is Nahuel Guzmán suspended for this game?
His red card was in the Leagues Cup. Usually, suspensions don’t carry over to Liga MX — but the league will confirm. If he’s out, backup keeper (likely Carlos Felipe Rodríguez or a youth) would start.
Who is "El Búfalo" Rodrigo Aguirre?
A Uruguayan striker signed this season. Nicknamed "El Búfalo" for his strength, work rate, and charging runs. He’s the main goal threat — Tigres creates chances, he finishes them.
What formation does Tigres play?
4-2-3-1 — two holding midfielders (Araújo + Gorriarán) protect the defense, three attackers (Lainez, Brunetta, Herrera) support the lone striker (Aguirre). It balances defense and attack.
Where can I watch the game?
In Mexico: TUDN, Canal 5, or ViX.
In USA: TUDN, Univision, or ViX / Fubo / DirecTV Stream.
Check your local guide — kickoff is Saturday night.
Final Thought
Tigres didn’t get the Leagues Cup result they wanted, but they’re playing good soccer. The lineup is settled, the midfield is elite, and the defense is tight. Now they just need El Búfalo to score and turn draws into wins.
¡Vamos Tigres!
Article based on Sports Illustrated México projected lineups and match info as of August 2026.