The Tijuana Xolos snapped a two-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over Puebla at the Estadio Cuauhtemoc this Friday, October 17.

This was the second consecutive loss for the Xoloitzcuintles away from home, as this season’s success has been due to favorable results at home.

Club Tijuana has only won one road game this season and is now on a three-game winless streak away from home. Gilberto Mora was back from a very successful run in the FIFA U-20 World Cup and slotted directly into the starting 11.

Placing Mora back into the starting lineup was the only change by manager Sebastian Abreu. The young attacking player replaced Mourad El Ghezouani, who started the last game against Monterrey at the Estadio Caliente.

The game was a tale of two halves, with the first half offering little excitement and no goals. Possession was almost split, and there were only three shots on goal, which were all by the home team in the opening 45 minutes.

The best player of the first half was Tijuana’s goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez, who stopped a penalty in the 26th minute. The penalty was given to Puebla after a handball by Jackson Porozo inside the box. Fernando Monarrez stepped up to take the penalty and was denied by Rodriguez.

¡Toño le dijo que no a Monárrez! 😎

El portero de @Xolos evitó el primer tanto del conjunto poblano. 📹#J13 #AP25 | #LaLigaDeLaAfición pic.twitter.com/Pa72RQOsxf

— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) October 18, 2025

Sebastian Abreu quickly noticed this lack of offensive production and brought on Mourad El Ghezouani for Adonis Preciado.

Gilberto Mora proved to be key in his return as he drew a penalty for the Aztec Canines in the 52nd minute after being fouled by Alvaro de la Rosa. Kevin Castaneda successfully scored from the penalty spot to give Club Tijuana a 1-0 lead in the match.

Kevin Castaneda scored his second goal of the game shortly after the first in the 59th minute. Goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez was key in this goal as he started the counterattack that led to the goal with a throw to Ramiro Arciga. The Mexican winger raced down the field and provided a well-located pass to Castaneda, who finished the goalscoring opportunity.

Kevin logró vencer a Julio. 😎

Y así, @Xolos le puso números al marcador. 📹#J13 #AP25 | #LaLigaDeLaAfición pic.twitter.com/uaakcePyT8

— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) October 18, 2025

The lead seemed comfortable for the visiting side, but Puebla started to mount a comeback with a goal by Ricardo Marin in the 67th minute. A defensive miscue allowed the veteran striker to obtain the ball inside of the box and finish the opportunity with ease.

After that goal, Abreu made three changes to the squad as Kevin Escamilla, Unai Bilbao, and Domingo Blanco came on for Ivan Tona, Franck Boya, and Kevin Castaneda.

However, the tying goal from Puebla came immediately after those substitutions were made. Debutante Alvaro de la Rosa redeemed himself after conceding a penalty and tied up the match. Puebla built a high-paced play with de la Rosa running in from the right-back slot and striking with a potent shot to get that equalizer.

The quick tempo of the second half continued with Mourad El Ghezouani regaining the lead for Club Tijuana in the 70th minute. Ramiro Arciga continued his productive game as he provided the cross that the Moroccan striker connected on with a header.

The lead did not last long for Club Tijuana, as was the case for most leads in this hectic clash. Carlos Baltazar became the hero of the game for Puebla with consecutive goals from outside of the box to obtain the 4-3 lead.

His first came in the 83rd minute to tie the game at three goals each. In the final moments of stoppage time, Baltazar pulled off a magical run from midfield with no aid from his teammates and went on to launch a very well-located strike for the 4-3 win.

This was a crushing loss for Club Tijuana, who really battled in this match and certainly deserved at least a point from it. However, some defensive distractions made the difference as Puebla came away with the victory from this thrilling encounter.

At the time of writing, Club Tijuana is in sixth place on the Liga MX table, but that certainly has the potential to change after the weekend. The Xolos’ next match will be on October 22 against Toluca at the Estadio Caliente.

There are only four regular-season games left for the Xoloitzcuintles this season, as it is time to secure points for the playoff race.

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.