Match: Tijuana Xolos vs Cruz Azul

Where: Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico

When: Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Time: 7:10 p.m. PST

TV: TUDN, VIX

The Tijuana Xolos host Cruz Azul this Wednesday, November 27th at the Estadio Caliente for a match in the quarterfinals of the Liga MX.

This is the first leg of this quarterfinal series as the second leg will be played in Mexico City this Saturday, November 30th.

The Tijuana club was in seventh place in the Liga MX table and was currently participating in the play-in phase of the Liga MX postseason. The Border City Dogs initially lost to Club America, but defeated Atlas to secure the final spot in the Liga MX quarterfinals.

This is the first time in over five and a half years that the Xoloitzcuintles have reached the Liga MX quarterfinals. The Border City club has really made a huge improvement with coach Juan Carlos Osorio, who has implemented some unorthodox but effective tactics. One of Osorio’s most notable philosophies is roster rotation, as he made seven changes between games against Club America and Atlas.

The Colombian coach has even changed goalkeepers regularly this season and kept every single player on their toes. Osorio has also experimented and used some players out of their usual position, such as Alejandro Gomez, who played as a midfielder against Atlas. Normally a centre-back, Gomez had an outstanding performance in the 3-0 win against Atlas and even almost scored a goal in that game.

Raul “Pantera” Zuniga scored in both of Tijuana’s play-in games and is in fantastic form heading into this quarterfinal clash. It will be interesting to see Osorio take on a Cruz Azul team with plenty of pace and speed, especially on the counterattack.

Cruz Azul was the best team in the 2024 Liga MX Apertura season and Juan Carlos Osorio emphasized this several times in his last press conference. La Maquina finished first in the table with 42 points, which was a record-breaking total in a 17-game Liga MX format.

Cruz Azul had the best offense in the league with 39 goals scored and the best defense in the league with only 12 goals allowed. Manager Martin Anselmi has established a very fast and attractive style of football at the club Los Cementeros are the clear title favorites in the quarterfinals.

Cruz Azul has a star-studded team, but Carlos Rotondi was arguably the best player this season with seven goals and four assists. Striker Angel Sepulveda led the club with nine goals scored and was also the top Mexican-born goalscorer in the 2024 Apertura season.

Xolos suffered a 3-0 defeat at Cruz Azul in the regular season and will need to take advantage of this first home game. Should Cruz Azul secure a win in this first leg, the series will essentially be decided before Saturday’s game in Mexico City. The Tijuana club only suffered one home defeat in eight regular season games and is now celebrating a big win against Atlas.

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan my entire life and did most of the series previews and recaps of the 2016 Padres season for EVT. Now I’m concentrating more on the local football scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.

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