Club Tijuana
Tijuana Stun Tigres in Apertura Opener
Club Tijuana erupted in stoppage-time ecstasy as Mohamed El Ghezouani’s late double sealed a dramatic 3-1 victory over Tigres UANL in their Liga MX Apertura opener – a result forged in the crucible of Rodrigo Aguirre’s first-half red card.
Tigres’ Discipline Unravels Before Half-Time
The match turned in first-half stoppage time when Tigres striker Aguirre saw red for a reckless challenge, leaving his side to play 45 minutes with ten men. Until then, Tijuana had edged a tense battle, taking the lead on 32 minutes when Ramiro Arciga latched onto Yael Padilla’s incisive pass to slot home.
Statistics told the story of Tijuana’s control: 7 shots on target to Tigres’ 4, 51% possession, and an xG of 2.12 showing their cutting edge. Yet Ozziel Herrera’s 56th-minute equalizer against the run of play – a clinical finish from Joaquim’s cross – threatened to spoil the party.
El Ghezouani Writes the Final Chapter
Enter substitute El Ghezouani. The Moroccan striker first held his nerve from the spot in the 95th minute after Nahuel Guzman’s foul, then sealed it three minutes later with a predatory finish. His brace in 180 seconds turned nervous energy into unbridled joy at Estadio Caliente.
Tigres’ discipline collapsed entirely late on, collecting four yellow cards to compound Aguirre’s early dismissal. Their 49% possession and meager 0.59 xG highlighted a toothless display despite Herrera’s moment of quality.
What This Means for Both Sides
For Tijuana, this statement win – their first in five meetings with Tigres – sets the tone for Sebastian Abreu’s reign. El Ghezouani’s impact off the bench offers tantalizing options upfront.
Tigres must regroup fast after this self-inflicted defeat. Guido Pizarro faces defensive headaches with Aguirre suspended and four players now on yellow cards ahead of Matchday 2. The early red card proved decisive, but their lack of creativity without Lainez (subbed on 83′) raises questions.
One round in, Tijuana’s dream start sends shockwaves through Liga MX. For Tigres, it’s back to the drawing board after a night where discipline and composure deserted them completely.
Key Moments
32′ âš½ Club Tijuana — R. Arciga (assist: Y. Padilla)
45+1′ 🟥 Tigres UANL — R. Aguirre sent off
56′ âš½ Tigres UANL — O. Herrera (assist: Joaquim)
90+5′ âš½ Club Tijuana — M. El Ghezouani🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
