The Tijuana Xolos hosted Club America at the Estadio Caliente this Thursday, November 23, for a game in the Liga MX playoffs.

The match was part of the initial play-in stage of the postseason, with the winner advancing as the seventh seed to the quarterfinals.

Club Tijuana and Club America had tied 2-2 in the regular season in what had been a very entertaining match, and the 90 minutes in this one were quite similar. Juan Carlos Osorio made three changes to the starting lineup that was able to defeat Puebla 2-1 in the last game of the regular season.

The Colombian manager decided to change goalkeepers and bring on Antonio Rodriguez, as well as bringing on Aaron Mejia and Nicolas Diaz. One specific change in the lineup may have decided the fate of this entire match, as Nicolas Diaz ended up picking up a red card in this game.

The first half of the match belonged to the Border City Dogs, controlling possession, having more shots, and playing better football. Club America was struggling heavily to generate much offensive play but had plenty of bench options that had the potential to be catalysts in this clash.

14′ Unai Bilbao opens the scoring at the Estadio Caliente. #Xolos up 1-0 against Club América.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/a6JeTZnDM2

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 22, 2024

Club Tijuana struck first in the 15th minute with a goal by defender Unai Bilbao off a cross by Efrain Alvarez. The Spanish defender connected a header off a free kick by Alvarez to give the Xoloitzcuintles the lead.

Not everything went as planned for Osorio’s squad in the opening 45 minutes, as Rafael Fernandez picked up an injury. Fernandez also already had a yellow card and was subbed out for Kevin Balanta in just the 31st minute of the match.

In the second half, Rodrigo Aguirre and Brian Rodriguez both came on for the visitors in what was an aggressive tactic by Andre Jardine. The Brazilian manager put on the two offensive players and subbed out fullback Kevin Alvarez and midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos. Osorio also made a pair of substitutions and brought on Raul Zuniga and Emanuel Reynoso for Ivan Tona and Carlos Gonzalez.

Brian Rodriguez made an impact almost immediately and scored the equalizer for Las Aguilas in the 51st minute. The Uruguayan international struck the sphere inside of the box after a well-crafted play by Rodrigo Aguirre and Alvaro Fidalgo.

Club Tijuana responded almost immediately as Raul Zuniga regained the lead for the Aztec Canies after America’s equalizer. The Colombian striker took advantage of a defensive miscue by Israel Reyes and crafted an impressive individual effort with his speed to score.

One of the most vital moments of the match came in the 74th minute when Nicolas Diaz received a direct red card after a harsh foul on Alvaro Fidalgo. The intention was not relevant on the play as Diaz stuck his cleats near Fidalgo’s neck in what was a very unfortunate play for the home side.

Club America made three more changes after the expulsion and really found life going forward. Club Tijuana had been in control before the red card, but the game took a massive shift after this play. Cristian Borja scored in stoppage time after a perfect cross by USMNT international Alejandro Zendejas.

Zendejas scored what looked like a last-minute winner shortly after, but the goal was disallowed due to a handball. The game ended 2-2 in regulation, and the already exhilarating affair was to be decided via a penalty shootout. The Estadio Caliente was split, with half of the stadium supporting Club Tijuana and the other half giving praise to the popular visitors.

This was the deciding penalty on the night. Miss by Aaron Mejia. Club América through to quarterfinals, #Xolos will face Atlas at home this Sunday for the final playoff spot.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/BP0ntaqSHY

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 22, 2024

The Border City Dogs started the shootout in the worst possible way, as both Christian Rivera and Emanuel Reynoso missed their penalties. Club America had an early 2-0 lead, but Alejandro Zendejas and Alvaro Fidalgo missed their attempts, which gave life to the Xoloitzcuintles. However, Aaron Mejia ended up missing the decisive penalty kick, and Club America was able to win the shootout 3-2 at the Mictlan.

There were loud cheers across the stadium after the Mexico City team won, but also a sense of disappointment in the air from the local fans. However, Xolos are not dead in the water just yet with another opportunity to make the Liga MX quarterfinals this Sunday. Club Tijuana will host Atlas at the Estadio Caliente for the final seed in the quarterfinals in what is expected to be another thrilling match.

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.