Santos Laguna's right-back, Javier Abella, sees a very even series against Tigres, but also a good opportunity to prove themselves amidst the criticisms that the team has received.

"The series is even, it's the fourth and fifth in the table, a series that is balanced in that sense. We have the advantage of closing at home, with our fans and our people, being aware and intelligent to play these matches."

Regarding the criticisms that Santos has received for the three consecutive losses, Abella mentioned, "we have to wait and see the match, we wait for them on Thursday and Sunday to see how things go, on Monday we will see the opinion about it."

He knows that scoring first is important, "we have to go for the match, do our thing, show what we are made of, go out and show that Santos that was seen in several matches of the tournament that pressed and had a good appearance, we have to show that version of ourselves again."

For many, winning against Tigres would be like silencing critics, and for Abella, it's about showing what they're made of.

"Facing the current champion, who has great players, is a benchmark, I don't know if it's to silence critics, but it's to raise our hand, we have to beat anyone to aspire to be champions."

He knows that he will have a lot of work on the wings with the Tigres players, so in that sense, he is aware that the rival has dangerous men in the attack.

Ready for what's to come

Abella Fanjul knows what awaits them in the first leg at the 'Volcán', where the fans support Tigres in an impressive way, but he warns that the TSM will weigh on Sunday.

"The fans will support us, they will be behind us from the first minute, it's their day and one for us."

And regarding the squads, facing the most expensive team in Mexican soccer, he mentioned that Tigres has shown to have good players and they have to be careful with them.

"But we have made great merits to be here, we have the tournament's top scorer and in that sense, just as we will be careful with their forwards, they will also be careful with ours."

Regarding the difference in experience between coaches Ricardo Ferretti and Dante Siboldi, the Santos defender indicated:

"It's Siboldi's first (playoff), they as coaches will shape an idea, we will respond on the field, Robert has done a great job in the tournament, he has guided us well, in the end, we develop on the field."

"Abella played every minute of the regular tournament, now he seeks to close in the best way and leave the previous tournament, where he had little participation, far behind."

Meanwhile, the albiverde team worked behind closed doors on Tuesday, focused on preparing for the first leg of the Quarterfinals against Tigres.