Despite the late leveller, six-time Concacaf champions Cruz Azul will have the advantage heading into next Thursday’s second leg in Mexico City, having grabbed a potentially crucial away goal.

In a game of few chances at the Estadio Universitario in Monterrey, the first shot on target did not arrive until the 55th minute when Cruz Azul’s Ignacio Rivero fired a freekick straight at Tigres keeper Nahuel Guzman.

But the contest came alive in the final third of the game.

The visitors went ahead in the 68th minute when Alexis Gutierrez broke down the left and fired over a cross which Angel Sepulveda cleverly headed back to Rodolfo Rotondi, who drilled home.

But Tigres, winners in 2020, gave themselves a lifeline when Juan Brunetta floated a freekick into the box which defender Purata met with a powerful header that flashed past Kevin Mier for the equaliser.

The other semifinal, to be played tomorrow, is an all-MLS affair with the Vancouver Whitecaps hosting Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in their first leg.

The game at the 54,000-capacity BC Place is sold out with both teams looking to reach the final of the competition for the first time.