Game: Monterrey vs Tijuana Xolos

Where: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico

When: Saturday, April 1, 2023

Time: 6:15 p.m. PST

TV: Fox Sports 2

The Tijuana Xolos will play their 13th game in the Liga MX 2023 Clausura against Monterrey at the Estadio BBVA this Saturday, April 1. Monterrey has easily been the best team in the 2023 Clausura, currently in first place with 31 points, seven points clear of second place Leon.

Los Rayados have 10 wins, a draw, and just one loss this season and are the clear title contenders at this point in the season. Monterrey is on a three-game winning streak, coming off a 1-0 away win against crosstown rivals Tigres UANL, in what was a historic win after not being able to defeat Tigres in a league match at the Estadio Universitario in 10 years.

Rogelio Funes Mori, Alfonso Gonzalez, and German Berterame have been the key figures for Rayados in the attack this season, combining for 16 goals scored in the campaign. Funes Mori leads the pack with eight goals scored as he has been having an excellent campaign after struggling for a couple of seasons.

Los Regios have one of the most complete teams in the Liga MX with a formidable backline, a solid midfield, and a reliable goalkeeper in Esteban Andrada. Andrada was the key player for Monterrey in their victory against Tigres UANL, as he had eight total saves in the match.

Monterrey also has one of the most experienced managers in the Liga MX in, Victor Manuel Vucetich, who has won five Liga MX titles, including two with Monterrey. Club Tijuana has a very experienced manager in Miguel Herrera, who has the knowledge to compete against a team like Monterrey, but that may not be enough to come away with points from this clash.

The Xoloiztcuintles are winless in their last four games in all competitions, coming off a 2-1 loss to Club America in a friendly match at Snapdragon Stadium. However, the border city team did come away with a 3-3 draw against Toluca in its last league match. That result was specifically impressive as the Aztec Canines were down 3-0 at one point in the match at the Estadio Caliente.

The big problem is that that result was at the Estadio Caliente, as the Tijuana Xolos have remained consistent with their road struggles this season. The Border City Dogs are winless in five away games in the 2023 Clausura, coming off a 3-2 loss to Santos Laguna in their last road match.

The Estadio BBVA is one of the toughest venues in the Liga MX, and the Border City Dogs are the heavy underdogs in this matchup. There has been some very consistent performances on the team as of late, like Lucas Cavallini, Lisandro Lopez, and Antonio Rodriguez, as there will need to be a maximum effort on Saturday night for at least a point out of this game.

Players to watch

Antonio Rodriguez

Rodriguez has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Liga MX this season, and if Xolos are to get anything out of this match, it will be thanks to him. The Mexican shot-stopper was recently called up by the Mexican national team because of his performances, as he has been key in several of Club Tijuana’s games.

Alfonso Gonzalez

Gonzalez has been one of the best offensive midfielders in the league, with five goals scored, and two assists in 12 games played this season. The 28-year-old has plenty of offensive capabilities, including a potent shot that can surprise any goalkeeper in the league.

Francisco Velasco

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.