It was intense finish in the Final of the Liga MX between Club America (managed by 1978 World Cup winner and former Mexico & Boca Juniors coach, Ricardo LA VOLPE) and Tigres UANL as the match had to be settle on penalties, following a 2-2 draw on aggregate (both played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg).
The match ended goalless after 90 minutes, resulting in an additional 30 minutes of extra time. Edson ALVAREZ gave America the lead in the 95th minute and looked good to his side a title in their centenary year but Jesus DUANES equalized in the 120th minute; sending the crowd in the Estadio Universitario into ecstasy mode.
Tigres emerged the stronger side in the penalty shoot-out with Nahuel GUZMAN saving the first two kicks from America (one of which was taken by Argentine Silvio ROMERO). Having already converted their first 2 penalties, Guido PIZARRO then made it 3-0 for Tigres.
As a result, Club America was in a must score situation in their third kick (taken by Javier GUEMEZ) but GUZMAN was very much in a GOYCOCHEA meets ROA beastly mode, completed a hat-trick of penalty saves, thus giving the Apertua Liga MX title to Tigres!
Congratulations to GUZMAN, PIZARRO and also to both Ismael SOSA and Lucas ZELARRAYAN (who was on the bench) for this achievement.
Now for the main question, wouldn’t it be a good idea for Edgardo BAUZA to consider GUZMAN as his first choice in goal for Argentina’s next World Cup qualifier?
I was there,visiting my wife’s hometown of Monterrey,Mexico. The city went nuts with celebration after the game. Guzman was absolutely phenomenal and Guido Pizarro also took his penalty well.