Tijuana Secures a Spot in Liguilla After Decisive Win Over Atlas
Tijuana made a triumphant return to the Liga MX Liguilla with a commanding 3-0 victory over Atlas in the second Play-In match, held at the Estadio Caliente. This result not only sealed their qualification for the quarterfinals but also ended a five-and-a-half-year drought without Liguilla participation. The victory set up a thrilling matchup against top-seeded Cruz Azul in the next stage.
The game began with high stakes, as both teams aimed to claim the final ticket to the postseason. Tijuana, under the guidance of coach Juan Carlos Osorio, implemented notable tactical changes, resting key players like Christian Rivera and Emanuel Reynoso. Instead, young talents like 16-year-old Gilberto Mora and Jesús Vega stepped into the spotlight. Atlas, on the other hand, faced challenges of their own, with the absence of regulars Luis Reyes and Édgar Zaldívar due to suspension and injury.
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Tijuana wasted no time asserting dominance. In just the 5th minute, Colombian striker Raúl “Pantera” Zúñiga broke through the Atlas defense, skillfully dribbled past goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, and calmly slotted the ball into the net. The early lead gave Xolos the confidence to dictate the pace, and they doubled their advantage in the 19th minute. A chaotic sequence in the box saw Zúñiga capitalize again, scoring his second goal from close range after a missed clearance by Atlas.
Despite Atlas’s efforts, they struggled to create meaningful opportunities, with Camilo Vargas emerging as their standout player by making critical saves to prevent a wider margin. However, the pressure eventually proved too much. In the 84th minute, Kevin Castañeda delivered the final blow with a composed finish following a well-constructed play initiated by Diego Barbosa and Efraín Álvarez.
This decisive win reflects Tijuana’s resurgence under Osorio, who has reinvigorated the squad with a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. The upcoming clash against Cruz Azul promises to be a challenging test, but Xolos have shown they are ready to compete at the highest level. Fans can now look forward to an electrifying quarterfinal matchup, as Tijuana aims to continue their remarkable journey.
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