The Tijuana Xolos will host Chivas at the Estadio Caliente for a game in the Liga MX 2025 Apertura this Friday, August 22. Club Tijuana is coming off a rare away victory as the Border City Dogs came away with a 2-0 win against Pachuca.

Kevin Castaneda and Gilberto Mora scored the goals that led to the vital road victory for the Xoloitzcuintles. However, Domingo Blanco picked up a red card and will be unavailable against Chivas.

Xolos are undefeated in their last three Liga MX games and will be looking to keep that momentum heading into this match. The Aztec Canines will play three of the next four games at home and must take advantage of this run of games.

Club Tijuana has proven to be much better at home than on the road, and these next few games will be vital for this season. Gilberto Mora scored in the last game and continues to be the main attraction for the Xoloitzcuintles. The 16-year-old midfielder provides plenty of offensive prowess to this team.

Chivas are struggling heavily heading into this game with just three points earned from three games played. Los Rojiblancos are coming off consecutive defeats against Santos Laguna and FC Juarez and have received heavy criticism from local support.

Chivas players were heavily booed and jeered in their last home defeat against FC Juarez, and they will need to improve. Guadalajara’s standout player is clearly Roberto Alvarado, who has consistently featured with the Mexico national team over the past couple of years.

Alvarado offers explosiveness going forward and great vision to pick out scoring opportunities. Chivas has struggled heavily offensively, given the inconsistencies of the strikers on the roster.

Veteran striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has proven to be very ineffective, while youngster Armando Gonzalez is not reliable. Chivas is better on the defensive front with goalkeeper Raul Rangel in between the sticks.

Club Tijuana does have the edge at home and should take advantage of playing at the Estadio Caliente for this game. The season is still early on, and this next run of games has the potential to give a positive spin to Xolos’ season.

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.