Nashville SC chase more Champions Cup history at Tigres

The stakes do not get a lot increased than this.

Nashville SC play an elimination match on Tuesday night, once they go to LIGA MX powerhouse Tigres UANL for Leg 2 of their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal sequence (9:30 pm ET | FS1, TUDN).

The Eastern Conference leaders face a 1-0 aggregate deficit after Argentina ahead and 2022 FIFA World Cup champion Ángel Correa scored in Leg 1 final week at GEODIS Park, handing Tigres an important away objective.

But ought to head coach BJ Callaghan’s facet equalize at Estadio Universitario, then it turns into anybody’s ballgame. Penalty kicks may even be within the playing cards if two extra-time intervals do not decide an combination winner.

“These are the dreams that you used to have – playing in full stadiums and games of massive consequence, and seeing yourself and preparing yourself, seizing the moment to make that big play,” Callaghan mentioned in his matchday-1 press convention.

“…These are the games that you talk about when your careers are over, or you see each other and drink beer together. These are the games we all want to be part of.”

Nashville have already skilled some magic throughout this CCC run, making history three weeks in the past because the first MLS team to win at the well-known Estadio Azteca.

Hany Mukhtar scored within the 51st minute to energy a 1-0 victory at Club América, and Brian Schwake pitched his fifth shutout of the continental match.

Having already proven they’ll ship in Mexico, Nashville has some proof of product for this journey south of the border.

“This is a blessing to be at this moment, to have the pressure to play a game, a semifinal, the biggest game on this continent, and being one of the best four teams on this continent,” mentioned Mukhtar.

“…We have talked a lot, but we have shown it on the field, and it took a lot of effort from the coaching staff, from the team and from the front office. We have to enjoy the moment. Pressure is a privilege, and this is what I’m telling the guys all the time, about this privilege – we earned that.”

Nashville’s process might be difficult by the absence of striker Sam Surridge and midfielder Eddi Tagseth attributable to damage. Surridge, who’s second within the MLS Golden Boot introduced by Audi race with 9 objectives, might be particularly missed.

But Nashville are assured that with Mukhtar and Cristian Espinoza main the assault, they’ve the firepower to get rid of Tigres.

“Everyone is capable of scoring a goal,” mentioned Mukhtar. “This season, we now have so many gamers who stepped up in moments and scored a objective.

“I’m not frightened who’s scoring a objective, and it is not essential who it’s, as a result of we’re a staff. And that is the great thing about our sport. When we’re profitable, it is good for everybody.”

Added Callaghan: “It’s a collective; the team in the game isn’t built on one player. It never has been. Sam’s an important piece to what we do, but we continue to adapt, and guys are going to have to step up in different ways.”

Should Nashville advance, they’d meet the winner of the LAFC vs. Toluca sequence (determined Wednesday night). This yr’s CCC last is scheduled for May 30, after the MLS marketing campaign pauses for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There’s additionally the looming indisputable fact that just one MLS staff has received the modern-day CCC: the 2022 Seattle Sounders. And if Nashville can advance previous Tigres and break that development, they’d qualify for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

“When you’re in the last four, these are the four best teams right now on the continent, playing in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Everybody’s good,” Callaghan mentioned.

“It’s about getting down there, having the ability to compete at a excessive stage and execute when the moments are introduced.”