Tigre Advances to Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 Despite Loss to Nacional

Argentine club Tigre narrowly advanced to the Copa Sudamericana round of 16, enduring a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay's Nacional in Victoria, Buenos Aires. Despite the loss, Tigre progressed thanks to their commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg played in Montevideo, making the aggregate score 4-2.

Nacional, the Uruguayan champions, dominated the early stages of the match. They took the lead in the 11th minute when Maximiliano Gómez capitalized on an error by Tigre's Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez, firing a powerful shot past goalkeeper Felipe Zenobio. The visitors extended their lead in the 31st minute with a goal from Maximiliano Silvera, which was confirmed after a VAR review.

In the second half, Tigre adjusted their tactics and managed to contain Nacional's attacking pressure. As the Uruguayan side pushed for the goal that would level the aggregate score, Tigre found an opportunity on the counter-attack. Santiago López scored in the 81st minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and ultimately securing Tigre's passage to the next round.

Tigre will face another Uruguayan opponent, Montevideo City Torque, in the round of 16. Meanwhile, in another Copa Sudamericana fixture, Santos of Brazil, with Neymar on the bench, is set to host Universidad Central of Venezuela, holding a comfortable 4-1 lead from their first leg.