In less than two years with Tigres, Ismael Sosa (yellow jersey) has scored 12 goals in Liga MX play. (Photo: Mexsport)

SAN NICOLAS DE LOS GARZA, Mexico – Current Liga MX Apertura champion Tigres collected its first win of the 2018 Apertura with a 2-1 home triumph over Santos on Saturday night.

Starting his first match since August 20, 2017, Argentinean forward Ismael Sosa starred on the night for the UANL, striking for the opening goal in the 22nd minute and assisting on Andre-Pierre Gignac’s game-winner in the 69th minute.

“We are the champion.  Everyone comes in wanting to win, but that is normal,” Sosa said after the match.  “Tigres did things well last season and all of the teams come in with their weapons wanting to beat us.  We played our game and we were deserved winners.”

After a week one 2-1 defeat at Puebla, Tigres was eager to bounce back in front of their fans at the Estadio Universitario.

With another busy slate of Liga MX matches and Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) matches on tap this season, Sosa believes that it’s imperative for Tigres to maintain strong form at the Estadio Universitario.

“The team put in a great effort on our field,” said the 30-year-old, who appeared in six matches in Tigres’ run to the 2016/17 SCCL final.  “That is going to be important for what is coming up and we have to continue working.”

Sosa and Tigres will kick off their 2018 SCCL campaign in the Round of 16 on February 20, when they visit Herediano for the first leg.