Dimitry Bertaud Shines in Forge FC’s Champions Cup Draw
Dimitry Bertaud recorded a clean sheet on his Forge FC debut as the Canadian side drew 0–0 with Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup opener.
Forge FC opened its 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup campaign with a disciplined and confident performance, holding Tigres UANL to a 0–0 draw in the first leg of their Round One series at Hamilton Stadium.
Facing one of Liga MX’s most established sides, Forge FC showed composure, defensive organization, and belief in front of a home crowd that embraced the occasion from the opening whistle.
Bertaud delivers statement debut between the posts
The night belonged to goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud. Making his debut for Forge FC, the recently signed shot stopper delivered a clean sheet performance that set the tone for the series.
Bertaud finished the match with seven saves, consistently calming pressure and organizing his back line. His most notable intervention came in the 43rd minute, when he tipped Marcelo Flores’ powerful half volley from outside the box over the crossbar, preserving the deadlock just before halftime.
Forge create chances against Liga MX heavyweight
Forge were not content to sit deep for the full 90 minutes. The Canadian side produced the match’s clearest chance in the 17th minute, when Ben Paton met a long cross from Rezart Rama inside the six yard box. His left footed effort rolled across the face of goal before Juan José Purata recovered to clear the danger.
That moment reflected Forge’s intent to test Tigres rather than simply absorb pressure, a balance that defined their performance throughout the night.
Tigres push late but fail to break through
As expected, Tigres controlled longer spells of possession and pushed late in search of an away goal. Juan Brunetta came closest in stoppage time, striking a right footed free kick in the 95th minute that was blocked by the Forge defensive wall.
Despite sustained pressure, Tigres were unable to find a breakthrough, leaving the tie wide open heading into the second leg.
All to play for in Monterrey
The series now shifts to Mexico, where the teams will meet again on February 10 at Estadio Universitario in San Nicolás de los Garza. With the aggregate score level, Forge FC travel south knowing a disciplined performance and timely execution could extend their Champions Cup run.
The winner on aggregate will advance to the Round of 16, with Forge proving in the opening leg that they belong on this stage.
