Club Tijuana's winning momentum in Liga MX was halted by a 1-0 home defeat to Club Querétaro on Saturday. A first-half header from Mateo Coronel proved the difference in a match where the hosts dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.
The loss leaves Sebastián Abreu's side on 13 points from six matches, still holding fourth place in the overall standings. However, the chance to close the gap on the leaders slipped away on a night of attacking frustration.
Tijuana set up in their usual 4-1-4-1 formation, looking to control midfield with Iván Tona. They dominated possession from the outset, finishing with 63% of the ball, and racked up 24 shots. Only four were on target, however, all dealt with by goalkeeper Guillermo Allison.
The visitors' goal came against the run of play. On the half-hour mark, a quick Querétaro transition found Santiago Homenchenko on the flank, and his cross to the back post was headed home by Coronel, leaving Antonio Rodríguez with no chance. The referee showed the first of five yellow cards for Gallos to Daniel Parra for a foul in the 20th minute.
Despite overwhelming statistical superiority, including 13 corners to Querétaro's four, the home side lacked precision and clarity in the final third. The movements of Adonis Preciado and Gilberto Mora failed to unlock a resolute Querétaro defence, which accumulated bookings but held firm. Abreu made attacking changes, bringing on Diego Fernando Abreu and Aldahir Pérez, but the breakthrough never came.
Manager Sebastián Abreu did not hide his disappointment after the final whistle. "We dominated the game, we had the ball and chances, but football is sometimes this unfair," he said. "We cannot afford to be so wasteful in front of goal. We have to correct it quickly."
This stumble at home checks the positive momentum the team had built after a win over Pumas. Their recent form now reads two wins and three losses from their last five outings. The season's outlook remains positive, sitting just three points off the top, but consistency becomes key.
Focus now shifts to the next fixture, an away trip to face CF Pachuca on Monday, September 21st. Pachuca currently sits 12th, offering a fresh opportunity to get back to winning ways. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and track the team's progress in the standings. The squad must show its ability to bounce back on the road.
