Tijuana Xolos look to keep playoff push alive against Cruz Azul
Credit: Jeremy Collins (XoloGuero)/EVT Sports
Club Tijuana has won three out of its last four games and will look to keep that momentum going at Cruz Azul. Xolos will head to the historic and remodeled Estadio Azteca for this game on Saturday, April 18.
The Xoloitzcuintles had a rough start to the season, but have now won two consecutive games. The Border City Dogs are coming off a 2-1 win against FC Juarez where Kevin Castaneda and Ramiro Arciga made the difference on the scoreboard.
That game at Juarez was a very significant one as Gilberto Mora returned to the pitch after a very long absence. Mora did look shaky on the ball just returning from injury as he will slowly come back into the lineup.
The Mexico international last played on January 17 before playing in Juarez on April 10. There is a lot on the line for Mora with the upcoming FIFA World Cup as it will be interesting to see how many minutes he gets in this game against Cruz Azul.
In Mora’s absence, Kevin Castaneda has been taking charge of the offense with seven goals scored and two assists on the year. Castaneda has scored four goals in the last four games and in two consecutive games.
The Mexican midfielder is being considered for the Mexican national team and will need to continue to perform on this level. Other positives from this season for Xolos include centre-back Jackson Porozo and goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez. The backline as a whole has been very impressive with just 15 goals allowed.
Rodriguez has maintained a consistent level of play for several seasons now and was key in the 1-0 win against Tigres UANL. Cruz Azul has one of the best offenses in Liga MX as Rodriguez is surely to be tested in this match.
Cruz Azul has scored the third-most (25) goals in this Clausura 2026 and is currently second on the league table. Gabriel Fernandez, Jose Paradela and Agustin Palavecino have been some of the best players for La Maquina this season.
Fernandez leads the team with eight goal contributions while Paradela and Palavecino have seven each. Manager Nicolas Larcamon implements an aggressive and upbeat style of play that will push Xolos in this match.
Club Tijuana are the heavy underdogs away from home, but this still has the potential to be a very entertaining match.
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.