The Tijuana Xolos played their final home game in the Liga MX 2026 Clausura season this Wednesday, April 22. The Border City Dogs hosted Pachuca at the Estadio Caliente in what was a vital game for Club Tijuana’s playoff hopes.

Manager Sebastian Abreu made some significant changes to the starting 11, most notably including Gilberto Mora back into the lineup. Abreu also gave his son, Diego, a chance to start, and the young striker made the most of his opportunity on the day.

Last home game of the season for #Xolos. Gilberto Mora is back in the starting 11 @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/fw2Frwk1fG

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) April 23, 2026

Pachuca was in second place heading into this match, as this was no easy feat for Club Tijuana. However, the Xoloitzcuintles controlled possession from the start of the match and applied pressure to the opposition.

Gilberto Mora was the big buzz around the stadium, as this is potentially his last home game with Club Tijuana before the World Cup. Mora received a golden opportunity to make his last home game in Tijuana a memorable one as Xolos were awarded a penalty kick in the 33rd minute.

Cristobal Alfaro committed a foul on Sebastian Abreu inside the penalty area to receive this penalty. Mora stepped up from the spot, and his strike was initially saved by opposing goalkeeper Carlos Moreno. However, Mora was there on the rebound to put the ball in the back of the net and give Xolos a 1-0 lead.

Gilberto Mora back with #Xolos. Here is his goal from tonight against Pachuca.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/isfZM4XmUs

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) April 23, 2026

That goal gave the Xoloitzcuintles a huge momentum boost, and Sebastian Abreu made it a 2-0 game shortly after that initial goal.

Ramiro Arciga found Abreu on a long through ball,l and the Uruguayan forward burst with speed past two Pachuca defenders. Abreu then went on to dribble past the goalkeeper and three of Pachuca’s defenders to tap the ball safely in the net.

It was quite a flashy finish from the 22-year-old striker, who scored his first goal at home this year. The Aztec Canines had a comfortable second half after that goal and eventually were able to extend the lead in the 82nd minute.

Xolos were awarded another penalty, and this time Josef Martinez stepped up to the spot. The Venezuelan striker took the chance to perfection for his first goal of the season.

Josef Martinez scored his first goal of the season for #Xolos against Pachuca tonight.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/TeDomWRdsB

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) April 23, 2026

Pachuca manager Esteban Solari expressed his discontent with the penalties awarded in this match. “When they mark two penalties against you, it is hard to win,” said Solari.

The Border City Dogs did concede a goal in the final minutes of the match as Victor Guzman scored a consolation goal in stoppage time. The goal came after Xolos were caught off passing the ball around the back line.

Manager Sebastian Abreu expressed his frustrations about this goal, specifically on how it was conceded. “Almost a perfect game, that last play was not us. It was not Xolos,” said Abreu.

The team was caught up with the euphoric “ole” cheers around the stadium, but ended up being very sloppy with the passes in the back.

Club Tijuana is now in ninth place with 22 points, just behind on goal differential to Tigres for that final playoff spot. Xolos is also just one point behind seventh-place Atlas, as this playoff race will go down to the last game of the season.

The border city side will face first place team, Chivas de Guadalajara, away from home. The Xoloitzcuintles have not won against Chivas since 2019, as this is expected to be a very tough match.

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.