The Xolos made the most of their home advantage as they delivered a strong performance against Cruz Azul in their Liga MX match on Sunday. This encounter, part of Matchday 11, saw Tijuana claim a 2-0 victory, leaving Cruz Azul without answers.
Domingo Blanco put Tijuana ahead in the 48th minute of the first half, breaking the deadlock just after the break. Following this, Mourad El Ghezouani extended the lead in the 71st minute with a powerful shot, capitalizing on a cross from Rafael Fernández, which left goalkeeper Kevin Mier Robles with no chance.
Antonio Rodríguez was a standout player for the home team, making crucial saves throughout the match, including four key stops. Additionally, Domingo Blanco shone in the midfield, contributing both with a goal and two shots on target.
Manager Sebastián Abreu opted for a 4-5-1 formation, placing Jesús Corona in goal, supported by defenders Rafael Fernández, Jackson Porozo, Jesús Gómez, and Jesús Vega. The midfield comprised Iván Tona, Frank Boya, Domingo Blanco, Kevin Castañeda, and Adonis Preciado, with Shamar Nicholson leading the attack.
Cruz Azul, under the guidance of coach Nicolás Larcamón, fielded a 3-4-3 formation, featuring Kevin Mier in goal and a defense led by Jorge Rodarte, Willer Ditta, and Gonzalo Piovi. The midfield was manned by Jorge Sánchez, Erik Lira, Jeremy Márquez, and Rodolfo Rotondi, while Ignacio Rivero, Gabriel Fernández, and José Paradela spearheaded the attack.
The match officials were led by referee Jorge Camacho Peregrina.
Next up for Tijuana is a clash against CF Monterrey, while Cruz Azul will visit Tigres at the Estadio Universitario. Following this match, Tijuana sits in sixth place with 19 points, while Cruz Azul remains in fourth with 24 points.
Substitutions for Tijuana
- 10’ 1H – Jesús Corona was replaced by Antonio Rodríguez
- 45’ 2H – Adonis Preciado came off for Ramiro Árciga, Mourad El Ghezouani was substituted by Shamar Nicholson, and Jesús Orozco was replaced by Jeremy Márquez
- 61’ 2H – Jesús Vega left the pitch for Pablo Ortiz, and Jesús Gómez was substituted by Unai Bilbao
Yellow Cards for Tijuana:
- 28’ 1H – Jesús Vega (Undisciplined conduct)
- 37’ 1H – Domingo Blanco (Undisciplined conduct)
- 54’ 2H – Jesús Gómez (Undisciplined conduct)
Substitutions for Cruz Azul
- 72’ 2H – Ignacio Rivero was swapped for Mateusz Bogusz
- 78’ 2H – José Paradela came off for Carlos Rodríguez, Gabriel Fernández for Ángel Sepúlveda, and Gonzalo Piovi for Omar Campos
Yellow Card for Cruz Azul:
- 18’ 1H – Gonzalo Piovi (Undisciplined conduct)
Red Card for Cruz Azul:
- 4’ 1H – Jorge Rodarte (Direct Red)