Club Tijuana kicks off Apertura 2026 with crucial home win
Club Tijuana began the Apertura 2026 on a high note, defeating Tigres UANL 3-1 at Estadio Caliente with two stoppage-time goals that decided a match clouded by contentious refereeing decisions. The border side secured three vital points to open their Liga MX campaign, while Tigres suffered their first setback in Tijuana.
What happened in the match?
Xolos dominated early and took the lead at the 21st minute when Ramiro Arciga finished clinically with his right foot after an assist from Yael Padilla. Tigres protested, claiming a foul in the buildup, but the goal stood. Controversy flared before halftime when Rodrigo Aguirre was sent off at the 45th minute for dissent under the so-called “Ley Prestianni,” leaving the university side a man down for the second half.
Tigres fought back in the second period and equalized at the 56th minute through Ozziel Herrera, who headed home from a Juan Brunetta cross. The final stages were electric: Adonis Preciado’s 80th-minute effort was ruled offside, and Brunetta blazed a header over at the 89th minute after a brilliant save by Antonio Rodríguez. Fate turned in the 92nd when the referee awarded a penalty to Xolos for a foul by Imanol Ordóñez on Preciado, and Mourad El Ghezouani converted with ice in his veins. The game finished in dramatic fashion at the 97th minute when El Ghezouani completed his brace after a rebound from a Fernando Gorriarán clearance to make it 3-1.
Why this win matters for Club Tijuana
The victory delivered three points and underlined Xolos’ fortress status at Estadio Caliente, where they remain hard to beat. With 23 points from 17 games in Apertura 2026, 19 goals scored and 17 conceded (+2 goal difference), they sit ninth in the standings. They have also gone unbeaten in their last five matches (DDWWD), reinforcing their status as genuine contenders in Liga MX.
The game also served up lessons. Aguirre’s sending-off was a blow for Tigres, while Xolos’ defense was exposed by two disallowed goals for offside calls. Mourad El Ghezouani, who bagged a brace, cemented his reputation as one of the league’s deadliest strikers.
Next up: tough test against León
After this win, Club Tijuana faces a tricky away trip to take on León at Estadio Caliente on July 25; León arrive as 10th in the table. Xolos will aim to keep their momentum going in front of their passionate home support. Meanwhile, Tigres have opened their Apertura 2026 campaign with defeat and must regroup quickly to stay in touch with league leaders U.N.A.M. Pumas, who lead by 13 points.
Apertura 2026 is shaping up as an exciting chapter for the border side. With defensive solidity and a lethal attack, Club Tijuana are already showing they can challenge at the top or at least secure a playoff spot. The fans at Caliente have every reason to dream.
