The highly anticipated clash between Tijuana and Club América ended without goals, as both teams failed to find the back of the net in their opening match of the Clausura tournament.
Antonio Rodríguez emerged as the standout player of the match. The Tijuana goalkeeper made an impressive three saves to keep the scoreline intact.
On the other side, Luis Malagón also had his moments, showcasing solid goalkeeping for Club América with two key saves at the Estadio Caliente.
Manager Sebastián Abreu opted for a 4-5-1 formation for Tijuana. The starting eleven included Antonio Rodríguez in goal; Rafael Fernández, Jackson Porozo, Unai Bilbao, and Jesùs Vega forming the defense; with a midfield consisting of Iván Tona, Joe Corona, Adonis Preciado, Kevin Castañeda, and Gilberto Mora; and Mourad El Ghezouani leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Club América’s coach, André Jardine, deployed a 4-4-2 formation featuring Luis Malagón as the goalkeeper, supported by Kevin Álvarez, Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, and Cristian Borja in defense. The midfield comprised Alexis Gutiérrez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Rodrigo Dourado, and Allan Saint-Maximin, with Rodrigo Aguirre and José Zúñiga up front.
Referee Ismael López Peñuelas managed the match at Estadio Caliente.
Tijuana’s next match will be an away fixture against Querétaro, while Club América will host Atl. de San Luis.
With this draw, Tijuana picks up 1 point, placing them fourth in the standings. Club América also accumulates 1 point, sitting third after the opening round.
Substitutions for Tijuana
40’ 1T – Joe Corona replaced by Ignacio Rivero
75’ 2T – Mourad El Ghezouani replaced by Josef Martínez
87’ 2T – Gilberto Mora replaced by Ángel Zapata
Substitutions for Club América
66’ 2T – José Zúñiga and Allan Saint-Maximin replaced by Patricio Salas and Brian Rodríguez respectively
82’ 2T – Rodrigo Aguirre replaced by Víctor Dávila
Yellow Cards for Club América:
21’ 2T – Israel Reyes (Unsporting behavior)
36’ 2T – Patricio Salas (Unsporting behavior)