When Tigres UANL edged out Club América 1‑0 on Wednesday night, it wasn’t just another three points – it marked the first live game for the club on FOX Deportes. The match kicked off at 11:05 PM Eastern (8:05 PM Pacific) from Estadio Universitario de Nuevo León in San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico, and instantly became a milestone for both broadcaster and club.
Background of the FOX Deportes Partnership
The announcement came on July 17, 2024, when FOX Deportes revealed a multi‑year rights deal covering all of Tigres’ men’s and women’s fixtures for the Torneo Apertura 2024 and Torneo Clausura 2025. The network, a staple of Spanish‑language sports in the United States for more than 25 years, will field every regular‑season match, potential playoffs, and even the high‑profile clash against Chivas de Guadalajara slated for August 24.
Why the timing matters: Tigres’ fanbase stretches far beyond the Monterrey metro area, with a growing following in the U.S. Southwest. By locking in a broadcaster that reaches 31 million households, the club secures both exposure and revenue streams that were previously fragmented across regional channels.
Match Recap: Tigres UANL vs. Club América
The game itself felt like a sequel to the 2023 Apertura final, where Tigres fell short to the same opponents. This time, a solitary goal in the 78th minute by Juan Brunetta—the same youngster who opened the scoring back in June—sealed the win. Brunetta’s finish came after a swift counter‑attack that saw the ball thread through three defenders before his teammate slid it across the box for the Argentine to volley home.
Defensively, both sides were disciplined. Nicholas Ibáñez earned a yellow in the 26th minute for a late tackle, while Club América’s C. Calderón was booked before the half‑hour mark. Substitutions were tactical: Tigres brought on J. Herrera at 56 minutes to shore up the midfield, and later swapped in M. Flores for fresh legs in attack.
Statistical Snapshot and Betting Angles
- Final score: 1‑0 to Tigres UANL.
- Possession: Tigres 54 % – América 46 %.
- Shots on target: Tigres 8 – América 7.
- Betting odds: Tigres +117 (a $100 wager returns $217).
- Under 2.5 goals market: Winners by a wide margin.
Sports Mole’s pre‑match model gave the underdog a 37.57 % chance to win, with a razor‑thin 8.8 % probability attached to a 1‑0 scoreline. The prediction materialized to the final whistle, rewarding the few who rode the long‑shot.
Reactions from Clubs and Analysts
In the post‑match press conference, Gustavo Leal, Tigres’ sporting director, hailed the win as “the perfect start to a new broadcasting era.” He added that the partnership with FOX Deportes would “bring our story to families watching from their living rooms in Texas, Arizona, and beyond.”
Club América’s coach, Mariano Paredes, was less enthusiastic. “We missed a chance to extend our dominance,” he said, noting that the late goal exposed a lapse in concentration after nearly two hours of back‑to‑back attacks.
Media analysts pointed out that Tigres’ defensive solidity, especially after conceding early in the Super Cup, shows a tactical shift under head coach Alberto Covi. Meanwhile, the broader Liga MX landscape sees the UANL‑América rivalry intensify as both clubs chase the coveted Campeón de Campeones title.
What Lies Ahead for Tigres UANL
Beyond the immediate celebrations, the partnership opens doors for Tigres’ women’s squad, which will also feature on FOX Deportes whenever they qualify for the playoff rounds. The next big test comes on August 24 when they face Chivas de Guadalajara at Estadio Omnilife, a match likely to draw a national audience.
In the meantime, the club will travel to play Necaxa next week, hoping to maintain the momentum. If they can string together a couple more wins, they’ll be in a strong position for the Apertura playoff bracket, which begins in November.
Key Facts
- Broadcast debut: July 17, 2024, FOX Deportes.
- Result: Tigres UANL 1 – 0 Club América.
- Goal scorer: Juan Brunetta (78′).
- Venue: Estadio Universitario de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza.
- Future broadcast: Tigres vs. Chivas de Guadalajara on Aug 24, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the FOX Deportes deal impact Tigres UANL’s U.S. fanbase?
The agreement places every Tigres men’s and women’s match on a network that reaches over 31 million U.S. households, translating to greater visibility for sponsors, higher merchandise sales, and a stronger foothold in border states where the club already enjoys a passionate following.
What were the most decisive moments in the 1‑0 victory?
Besides Brunetta’s late winner, the turning point came at the 56th minute when Tigres substituted in Herrera, stabilizing the midfield and allowing a quick transition that led to the decisive counter‑attack.
When is the next major match Tigres will broadcast on FOX Deportes?
The next high‑profile fixture is the August 24 showdown against 12‑time champion Chivas de Guadalajara at Estadio Omnilife, a game expected to draw a national audience.
How accurate was the pre‑match betting model?
Sports Mole assigned an 8.8 % probability to a 1‑0 scoreline for Tigres, and that exact outcome unfolded, underscoring the model’s precision despite the tight odds.
Will Tigres’ women’s team also appear on FOX Deportes?
Yes. The contract explicitly includes coverage of Tigres Femenil’s league matches and any playoff appearances, giving the women’s squad a platform comparable to the men’s side.
