Tijuana Xolos Liga MX 2019 CL Playoffs Preview: Xolos Face Rivals Leon In Quarterfinals
Credit: LIGA MX
Game: Tijuana Xolos vs. Leon
When: Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Where: Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico
Time: 7:06 P.M. PST
TV: Fox Deportes
The Tijuana Xolos are in the Liga MX 2019 Clausura playoffs and will face rivals Leon in the quarterfinals. The first leg of the series will be played this Wednesday, May 8, at the Estadio Caliente as the Aztec Canines look to use their home-field advantage.
The Xoloitzcuintles ended the regular season in eighth place with 28 points, finishing off the campaign with a 4-0 win against Puebla at home. Club Tijuana’s offense exploded in the last couple of games in the regular season as it scored eight goals in its last two games.
The Xolos’ backline was also solid throughout the season allowing 20 goals, which was the fifth lowest in the league. The Border City Dogs were excellent at the Estadio Caliente this season with six wins and just two losses at home but will have a very tough task.
Leon was the best team in the Liga MX 2019 Clausura regular season, finishing in first place with 41 points. Los Esmeraldas had just two losses during the regular season and at one point were on a 12-game winning streak.
La Fiera had the best offense and best defense in the league, but the attack was specifically impressive with 41 goals scored. Leon finished the tournament with a 2-1 win against Pachuca and are one of the clear favorites to win the 2019 Clausura championship.
Players To Watch
Gustavo Bou
Bou has been in immense form lately with four goals and three assists in Club Tijuana’s last three games. The Argentine forward has taken a leadership role with the team and is the key player in Oscar Pareja’s offense.
Angel Mena
The Ecuadorian forward is arguably the best player in the Liga MX with 14 goals and 10 assists this season. Mena has great technical abilities with a great shot on him as well and can sometimes single-handedly lead Leon.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Caliente as the Xolos will have the home-field advantage, but Leon has the much better team.
Francisco, 26, 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 Loyal, San Diego Wave.