In a dominant show of football, Tijuana defeated FC Juárez 3-1 in their knockout match of Liga MX. The Bravos surged ahead early with a header from Óscar Estupiñán in the 11th minute. However, Tijuana rallied impressively, ultimately celebrating a comeback victory. Goals from Mourad El Ghezouani (30’ 1T), Gilberto Mora (58’ 2T), and Ezequiel Bullaude (90’ 2T) turned the tide in favor of the team coached by Sebastián Abreu.
Gilberto Mora emerged as the standout player, contributing significantly by scoring one goal and making five attempts on target. Mourad El Ghezouani also had a remarkable performance, netting another goal along with four shots.
Coach Sebastián Abreu opted for a 4-4-2 formation, fielding Antonio Rodríguez as goalkeeper; Kevin Castañeda, Jesús Vega, Unai Bilbao, and Rafael Fernández in defense; Ramiro Árciga, Iván Tona, Jesús Gómez, and Domingo Blanco in midfield; while Gilberto Mora and Mourad El Ghezouani led the attack.
On the other hand, Martín Varini’s squad lined up in a similar 4-4-2 formation with Sebastián Jurado in goal; Denzell García, José García, Jesús Murillo, and Manuel Mayorga as defenders; Guilherme Castilho, Rodolfo Pizarro, Raymundo Fulgencio, and Homer Martínez in midfield; and a forward pairing of Óscar Estupiñán and Madson.
Marco Ortiz Nava officiated the match held at Estadio Caliente.
This victory allowed the Xolos to progress to the coveted quarterfinals of the tournament.
Substitutions for Tijuana
76’ 2T – Gilberto Mora for Joe Corona, Domingo Blanco for Adonis Preciado, Rafael Fernández for Aarón Mejía
89’ 2T – Kevin Castañeda for Ezequiel Bullaude
93’ 2T – Iván Tona for Germán Padilla
Yellow cards for Tijuana:
9’ 1T Mourad El Ghezouani (Unsporting behavior), 52’ 2T Iván Tona (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for FC Juárez
45’ 2T – Raymundo Fulgencio for José Rodríguez
60’ 2T – Rodolfo Pizarro for Eder López Castro
73’ 2T – Óscar Estupiñán for Ángel Zaldívar, Madson for Jairo Torres
79’ 2T – Guilherme Castilho for Ricardinho
Yellow cards for FC Juárez:
2’ 1T Óscar Estupiñán (Unsporting behavior), 47’ 1T Homer Martínez (Holding an opponent to prevent progression), 67’ 2T Guilherme Castilho (Unsporting behavior), 73’ 2T Denzell García (Unsporting behavior)
Red card for FC Juárez:
56’ 2T Manuel Mayorga (Direct red card)