Xolos host Necaxa for penultimate home game of 2025 Clausura
Credit: Jeremy Collins (XoloGuero/EVT Sports)
The Tijuana Xolos will play their penultimate home game of the 2025 Clausura season this Friday, April 4.
The Border City Dogs will host Necaxa, who have been one of the more surprising teams this season.
Necaxa are currently in sixth place with 24 points, coming off a 2-0 win against Queretaro. Los Rayos have won six games and only lost two in their last eight matches. While the playoffs are not a lock yet for Necaxa, the team from Aguascalientes is expected to make the postseason.
Necaxa has a star-studded front office that includes some Hollywood stars like Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds, and Rob McElhenney. The investment in the team does seem to have taken a different route in recent seasons and this has resulted in a successful campaign.
GOL DE GILBERTO MORA(16):
pic.twitter.com/smQIdfOllN— Jovenes Futbolistas MX (@Jovenesfutmx) March 30, 2025
At the forefront of this success is manager Nicolas Larcamon, who has made a significant change. Larcamon has a decent track record in Liga MX, leading an inconsistent Puebla side to the semifinals.
With a financially limited but talented roster, Larcamon has had a very positive effect on this team. Diber Cambindo, who currently leads the Liga MX with 11 goals scored, will miss this game due to an injury.
Necaxa’s offense will rely heavily on Argentine playmaker Jose Paradela, who has five goals and six assists this season. Tomas Baladoni, who has scored two goals in limited playing time is expected to start for the injured Cambindo this week.
Los Rayos also have a rigid backline led by team captain Alexis Pena, who has been one of the more consistent defenders this season.
Club Tijuana has a tough task in hand against one of the most well-managed teams in the league. The Xoloitzcuintles are likely to command possession in this match against a Necaxa side that has been able to be comfortable with or without the ball.
In Cirilo Sauedo’s first game in charge of the Aztec Canines, they pulled off a shocking 2-1 away win against Monterrey. Monterrey has the highest payroll in Liga MX, and given Xolos’ road struggles, this result was highly unexpected.
Sixteen-year-old Gilberto Mora Jr. played the full 90 minutes and scored in this victory against Monterrey. Mora has been one of Xolos’ most exciting players in recent seasons and is expected to get the nod in this match.
Playoffs are almost impossible for Club Tijuana at this point of the season, with just pride and personal gain to play for. However, Cirilo Saucedo will want to make a good impression to be considered for a permanent position moving forward.
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.