Nahuel Guzman’s outburst and Tigres’ failure to win likely ends their Leagues Cup run

Tigres defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 5-4 in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 tie in regulation at Estadio Universitario. However, the match was shadowed by Tigres’ nerves and frustration following the Canadians’ late equalizer.

With two minutes remaining, Diego Lainez was shown a red card for protesting a possible penalty kick. But the unexpected happened at the start of stoppage time, when veteran Argentine goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán—who had already been sent off by referee Iván Barton after catching the ball and running to midfield to shove a fan roughly with his right arm—let his anger boil over. Despite trying to justify himself by saying he didn’t see it, the cameras showed otherwise. Guzmán left the field by kicking a trash can and throwing a plastic chair, giving way to Carlos Felipe Rodríguez, who emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout. Coach Hernán Elizondo chose not to comment on the refereeing or the goalkeeper’s conduct.

Pumas: Chronicle of a Failure Foretold

For their part, the Pumas ended their campaign with a resounding failure that extends their title drought to 15 years. They lost on penalty kicks to the Columbus Crew after a 1-1 draw in regulation, finishing the group stage with just one point, one goal scored, six conceded, and the distinction of being one of the worst Mexican teams in the tournament.

As if the elimination weren’t enough, the physical toll was devastating: they lost Sebastián Córdova to an injury that would sideline him for the remainder of the 2026 Apertura, and Colombian defender Álvaro Ángulo, who scored the goal but was injured during the match. To make matters worse, Argentine newcomer Luciano Herrera was sent off after striking an opponent and refused to leave the field, demanding a VAR review, leaving the “Universitarios” in a deep crisis ahead of their return to Liga MX against Querétaro.

Summary of the other matches

• Real Salt Lake vs. FC Juárez: Los Bravos suffered a decisive 3-0 loss with goals from Morgan Guilavogui, Sergi Solans, and Dos Santos.
• Pachuca vs. Charlotte FC: The Tuzos snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory thanks to a penalty saved by Carlos Moreno in the 83rd minute and a goal by Alán Bautista in stoppage time.
• Minnesota United vs. Atlante FC: The Potros took an early lead with a goal by Aarón Quirós, but Minnesota completed a 3-1 comeback led by a two-goal performance from Joaquín Pereyra.
• Atlas vs. FC Cincinnati: The Rojinegros came from behind to win 2-1 with goals from substitutes Florian Monzon and Jesús Serrato, overturning Evander’s opening goal.

This Wednesday’s Matches