The Tijuana Xolos played Leon at the Estadio Caliente for a game in the Liga MX 2026 Apertura this Friday, July 24. Club Tijuana was coming off a massive 3-1 victory against Tigres UANL and was looking to keep that momentum going.

Gilberto Mora did play in the game against Tigres, but was expected to receive minutes in this match. Mora was not in the starting 11, but did come on at the start of the second half.

The visitors controlled possession in the first half and were the more dangerous team on the attack. However, Club Tijuana had the clearest opportunity in the opening 45 minutes when Adonis Preciado earned a penalty towards the end of the half.

Mourad El Ghezouani stepped up to take the penalty, and his strike was saved by visiting goalkeeper Oscar Garcia. This was a golden opportunity that was wasted by the Border City Dogs, who were struggling offensively.

Leon looked like the slightly better side, but Gilberto Mora did come on in the second half. The Mexico international was cheered loudly by the home crowd as several jerseys with his name were seen all around the Mictlan.

Leon still controlled possession in the second half,  but the Aztec Canines looked much more solid offensively than in the first half.

Xolos were awarded another penalty in the 53rd minute when a handball by Juan Guevara inside the box led to the chance. The home team did not waste this golden opportunity as Gilberto Mora stepped up and scored from the spot.

Gilberto Mora from the penalty spot to give #Xolos a 1-0 win against Leon.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/fmTPhXILuR

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) July 25, 2026

The World Cup star struck the ball down the middle as Leon’s Oscar Garcia dove to the right and had no chance. The Estadio Caliente exploded with euphoric cheers as over 25 thousand fans celebrated the goal.

The border city side was able to maintain the slim lead as the goal by Mora led to the three points. There was a significant physical and defensive effort by the Xoloitzcuintles in the second half.

In the post-game press conference, manager Sebastian Abreu said, “I’m not calm, I’m very, very happy”. The Uruguayan coach highlighted the importance of this match given the rivalry between Xolos and Leon.

Club Tijuana has dominated Leon under Abreu’s guidance, as this is the third consecutive victory over the rival club.

The Border City Dogs have had a fantastic start to the new season with two victories from two games. Given that Gilberto Mora has only played 45 minutes in these two games, this is a very promising start.

Mora and Jackson Porozo were both honored after the game for having participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mora has the spotlight on him as his move to Europe becomes more and more of a reality.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.