March 11 – FC Cincinnati and Tigres UANL meet for the second year in succession at the last 16 stage of the Champions Cup with the MLS side looking to overturn the result of 2025 which they last 4-2 on aggregate.
Having hammered O&M FC with a 13-0 aggregate win in Round 1, they come into their home leg this round off a 1-0 home loss to Toronto FC. Cincinnati have never progressed past the last 16 stage.
In contrast are chasing a second Champions Cup title having won the competition in 2020 under its old Champions League title. They advanced to this stage after a 4-1 round 1 win over Canada’s Forge FC.
Tigres come into the game following a 1-0 away win against cross-town rivals Monterrey, but their form in Liga MX has not been consistent. However, with home advantage next week at the Estadio Universitario, ‘El Volcán’, they start as favourites for the tie knowing an away goal could be crucial in the final analysis.
Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan is aware of the challenge Tigres present. “We’re expecting another very difficult round,” said Noonan. “They’re a very well-balanced team. I think you can see they’re well coached. A lot of the fluidity of their play and in and out of possession, I think it makes them very difficult to play against. You know, their league record hasn’t been, I’m sure, as strong as they would like, but when you look at the actual games and performances and play, it’s a very strong team.”
Tigres head coach Guido Pizarro took over the job one day prior to playing FC Cincinnati last season and just three days after starting in midfield for the club he played more than 350 times over 12 years.
Pizarro has a line-up packed with South American talent. Argentine midfielder Ángel Correa pulls the strings for Tigres going forward alongside fellow countryman Juan Brunetta in attacking midfield. Uruguayan Rodrigo Aguirre. who joined the club at the start of 2026, will likely lead the attack.
Defensively Brazilian centre back Romulo and Mexican centre back Jesús Angelo have been the favoured pairing so far this season.
It is a formidable line-up to thwart FC Cincinnati’s Champions Cup ambition.
Last 16, first leg, March 12, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, 8pm
Last 16, second leg, March 18, Estadio Universitario, San Nicolás de los Garza, Monterrey