Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman (pictured) has appeared in six matches during the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. (Photo: Mexsport)

PACHUCA, Mexico – Although Tigres can capture the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League title without beating host Pachuca on Wednesday, goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman knows that a special effort will be required in order to lift the trophy at the Estadio Hidalgo. 

“On Wednesday, we have to show that we really deserve this title,” said the 31-year-old Argentine custodian at a press conference Tuesday night.  “We will have to show it with football, with intelligence, with fight, with everything that we gave in the [Apertura] final against America, which we played like a true final.” 

The two teams played to a 1-1 draw in last week’s first leg, so Tigres can clinch its first international crown with a win or a draw with a score of 2-2 or more.  A scoreless stalemate would give the title to Pachuca, while a 1-1 deadlock would take the series to extra time. 

“We have the obligation to convert, to score a goal,” said Guzman.  “There are no excuses.  It’s part of the rules, so we should not worry about this.  The other day we had a lot of chances to score.  We came off of doing it against Pumas (4-0) and Chivas (3-0), so we should not worry.” 

The task ahead of Tigres is a tall one, especially since Pachuca has never lost at home in SCCL play, compiling a 13W-1D-0L mark.  In fact, the Tuzos have conceded more than one goal only once over that stretch. 

One thing is certain, though -- Tigres will have an aggressive mindset from the opening whistle.

 “You are going to see an offensive Tigres, trying to display the power it showed last season,” Guzman finished.  “For moments, perhaps, you have to have a great circulation, patience and be head-on, profound and finishing off plays.”

 Tigres has scored two goals or more in three of its last four SCCL road outings.