France international striker Andre-Pierre Gignac was once again the hero for Tigres as they overcame Leon 1-0 away in the Liga MX Apertura semifinal first leg on Wednesday.
Gignac netted in the 56th minute to hand his team a vital advantage ahead of Saturday's home leg at the Estadio Universitario, with the away goal rule in play.
The Frenchman came into the game on form, having scored a hat trick in Tigres' 5-0 thrashing of Pumas last Saturday in the quarterfinal second leg. The first half was even. Gignac perhaps should've opened the scoring when Jurgen Damm burst to the byline and crossed from the right in the 11th minute.
Leon had the ball in the net later in the half, but German Cano's goal was ruled out for offside, with replays showing it was a tight call.
After the break, Tigres slowly began to exert control and their possession-based style caused Leon problems.
The goal, however, came on a simple counter. Ismael Sosa gathered the ball on the right wing before driving forward and playing a pass to Gignac on the left. The 30-year-old moved inside the box, cut inside and slotted the ball into the net.
The other Apertura semifinal first leg will be on Thursday evening, with Necaxa hosting Club America.