Tijuana Xolos defeat FC Juarez 3-1, advance to Liga MX quarterfinals
Credit: Jeremy Collins(XoloGuero)/EVT Sports
The Tijuana Xolos played their first playoff match of the season this Thursday, November 20, against FC Juarez at the Estadio Caliente.
This initial postseason match on a cold and rainy night was part of the play-in round of the 2025 Apertura campaign.
Manager Sebastian Abreu only made one change to the starting 11, with Gilberto Mora coming back from an injury. The attack certainly found more creativity moving forward with the young star in the attack.
These teams had tied 1-1 in the regular season, but Xolos were the favorites with the massive home-field advantage. Club Tijuana was undefeated at the Mictlan all season and kept that going in this vital playoff fixture.
The Xoloitzcuintles controlled possession heavily in the first half, but did not have an ideal start to the game. In the 12th minute, Oscar Estupinan was able to give the visitors an early lead.
Les dejamos por acá el gran cabezazo de Óscar Estupiñán que abrió el marcador en Tijuana. 🔨#PlayIn | #AP25 #LaFiestaDeLaAfición pic.twitter.com/NhHEB63MZp
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) November 21, 2025
Alejandro Mayorga crossed the sphere into the box, and Estupinan was able to beat Alex Gomez in the air and head the ball into the back of the net.
However, the Border City Dogs kept on pushing after the goal and finally did find the back of the net in the 31st minute. This goal was a similar one scored by the visitors with a cross by Alan Vega into the box and a headed strike to finish the opportunity by Mourad El Ghezouani.
Vaya forma de rematar del delantero del Xolaje para igualar los cartones. 🐕📹#PlayIn | #AP25 #LaFiestaDeLaAfición pic.twitter.com/GmaC8NPaFH
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) November 21, 2025
The knuckleball cross by Vega was particularly impressive, coming from very far out and curving into the penalty area.
Club Tijuana had 12 total shots in the first half and certainly looked like the much better team on the field. Juarez only had three shots in the first half and would see all offensive prowess disappear in the second half with a red card for Alejandro Mayorga in the 54th minute.
Ramiro Arciga was through on goal, and the Mayorga came in from behind near the box with a clear challenge worthy of an early exit from the match.
The free kick awarded just outside of the box was fruitful for the Aztec Canines as it resulted in a penalty kick. Gilberto Mora struck the ball, and that led to a handball by FC Juarez midfielder Homer Martinez.
Con este gol, Gil Mora se convirtió en el jugador más joven en anotar en liguilla, con 17 años y 37 días cumplidos. 👏#PlayIn | #AP25 #LaFiestaDeLaAfición pic.twitter.com/kyHSc2DodS
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) November 21, 2025
Mora went up to take the penalty kick and finished it with the prowess of a seasoned veteran. The young star chipped the sphere down the middle with elegance that resulted in Xolos’ second goal of the night.
The visitors were far out of the game after that demoralizing red card and second goal for the home side. The border city team controlled much of the remainder of the match and was able to obtain a third goal in stoppage time.
Ezequiel Bullaude, who did not start the match, scored after just a minute on the pitch. The Argentine player scored via a shot from inside of the box off a cross by Alan Vega.
Vega bagged his second assist of the match in what was a tremendous match for the Mexican fullback.
With this crucial result, Club Tijuana is now in the Liga MX quarterfinals and will face Tigres UANL. The quarterfinals are set to be a two-game series with the first game being on Wednesday, November 26, at the Estadio Caliente.
The Aztec Canines lost 2-0 to Tigres in the regular season, as this is set to be a very tough series.
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.