Analysis The numbers behind the result
Tijuana edge low-quality contest with penalty after wasteful Leon fail to convert dominance
Tijuana's 1-0 win was marginally deserved based on xG (1.93 vs 0.75), though the numbers reveal a disjointed contest where neither side created high-quality chances. Despite Leon's 60% possession and 10 corners to Tijuana's 3, they managed just 0.75 xG from 10 shots — only 2 on target — highlighting their inability to turn territorial advantage into clear opportunities.
The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Gustavo Mora converted a penalty after Mourad El Ghezouani had missed one just before half-time (44'). Tijuana were more clinical with their limited openings, registering 3 shots on target from 9 attempts (1.93 xG) — though their xG was inflated by two penalties. Leon's defensive discipline faltered with two first-half yellow cards, while their 88% pass accuracy (547 total passes) lacked penetration, evidenced by just 6 shots inside the box.
The key stat: Leon's 10 corners produced only 0.75 xG — a damning indictment of their set-piece execution in a game decided by a single penalty.