In a thrilling showdown at Estadio Caliente, Tijuana staged a stunning comeback to defeat FC Juárez 3-1, clinching the coveted seventh seed in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 Play-In and booking a high-stakes quarterfinal date with Tigres. The match, played on November 20, 2025, kept fans on the edge of their seats and delivered a statement performance from the Xolos when it mattered most.
A Night of High Drama in Tijuana
The stakes were sky-high as both teams entered the pitch, with Tijuana determined to protect their unbeaten home record and Juárez fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. Early on, Juárez looked poised to spoil the party, but Tijuana’s resilience shone through in the second half.
Gilberto Mora, Tijuana’s young star, stole the spotlight with a nerveless Panenka-style penalty, leveling the score and shifting momentum firmly in the home side’s favor. Deep into stoppage time, Ezequiel Bullaude sealed the deal, finishing off a slick move to put the game out of reach and send the home crowd into raptures.
What This Means for the Liga MX Playoffs
With this victory,
Tijuana clinched the No. 7 seed and will now face Tigres in the quarterfinals—a matchup that promises fireworks given both teams’ attacking prowess. For Juárez, the loss isn’t the end of the road. They’ll get one more shot at redemption, hosting Pachuca this Sunday in a do-or-die clash for the final Liguilla spot. The winner of that match will advance to face Toluca, keeping their championship dreams alive.
Key Stats from the Match
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Tijuana’s Frank Boya: 6 goals this season, a constant threat in attack.
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Juárez’s Oscar Estupiñán: 8 goals, leading his team’s scoring charts.
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Tijuana’s home record: Remains one of the toughest venues for visiting teams in Liga MX.
The Bigger Picture: Rivalry and Regional Significance
The Tijuana-Juárez rivalry is more than just a soccer fixture—it’s a clash between two border cities with deep cultural and economic ties. Both cities have faced their share of challenges, from migration issues to organized crime, but soccer remains a unifying force, offering moments of joy and pride for their communities.
Expert Commentary
Soccer analysts point to Tijuana’s tactical discipline and home-field advantage as key factors in their victory. “The Xolos showed real maturity under pressure, especially from their younger players,” said one Liga MX commentator. “This win could be a turning point for the club’s playoff ambitions.”
For Juárez, the focus now shifts to regrouping quickly. “They have the talent to bounce back, but they’ll need to tighten up defensively if they want to keep their season alive,” another expert noted.
What’s Next?
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Tijuana vs. Tigres: Quarterfinals, date and time to be announced.
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Juárez vs. Pachuca: Play-In elimination match this Sunday, winner advances to face Toluca.
Fans can expect more drama as the Liga MX playoffs heat up, with every match now a potential season-definer.
Sources
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5. Tijuana secures seventh place and will face Tigres in the quarterfinals
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