Game: Tijuana Xolos vs Tigres UANL

Where: Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico

When: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023

Time: 8:00 p.m. PST

TV: VIX

The Tijuana Xolos will host Tigres UANL at the Estadio Caliente for their penultimate home game of the Liga MX 2023 Apertura season. There are only three games left to go in the campaign as Club Tijuana looks to stay in a playoff position, currently eighth place on the table.

The Xoloitzcuintles are coming off a 2-0 victory against Atlas, which extended their home unbeaten streak to five games and their home winning streak to four contests. All of Club Tijuana’s troubles this season have been on the road, with just one loss at the Estadio Caliente this season.

Alejandro Martinez, Fernando Madrigal, and Carlos Gonzalez all came out of the match against Atlas before halftime, but Manager Miguel Herrera mentioned that it was a minor fitness issue and nothing major. It will be interesting to see if any of those three players are in the starting 11 against Tigres. Carlos Gonzalez is the major concern, as he leads Xolos with nine goals scored, which is second in the Liga MX overall.

Gonzalez, along with goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez, have been the most important players for the Border City Dogs, Rodriguez coming off a stunning six-save performance against Atlas. Midfielder Christian Rivera and defender Nicolas Diaz also had a significant performance against Atlas, Rivera scoring one of the two goals that led to the three points from the match.

Tigres UANL is currently in second place and is one of the major title contenders in this 2023 Apertura after winning the last tournament. The team from Nuevo Leon is on a massive eight-game undefeated streak in all competitions, coming off a 4-0 win against Chivas away from home.

Longtime veteran and still star player Andre-Pierre Gignac has contributed to this fine season for Tigres, registering eight goals and four assists, leading the team in both categories. However, it is unclear if the French striker will play at the Estadio Caliente coming off an injury. It is confirmed that Brazilian midfielder Rafael Carioca will not make the trip to the border city, still recovering from an injury of his own.

Tigres is a team capable of finding a spark within any area of the team; recently, Diego Lainez stepping up with three goals and two assists on the season. Nicolas Ibanez has also been impressive, scoring five goals with just five games as a starter in the campaign.

The current Liga MX Champions are undoubtedly among the top-tier favorites to take the 2023 Apertura crown, as this is a very tough task for Club Tijuana, even with the home-field advantage.

Francisco Velasco

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