Xolos clinch home‑field edge with 2‑1 victory over Puebla
- Kieran Winchester
- 19 October 2025
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When Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente, commonly called the Xolos edged out Club Puebla de Futbol 2‑1 on at Estadio Caliente, the match that capped the Liga MX Clausura 2024 regular season for the Tijuana side. The win handed the Xolos a coveted home‑field advantage for the first round of the Clausura playoffs and pushed them into the Liguilla with an extra breathing room they hadn’t enjoyed since the 2021 campaign.
Why the win mattered
In Liga MX, finishing in the top eight earns a shot at the coveted Liguilla, but only the higher‑seeded clubs host the first leg. By beating Puebla, Tijuana moved from a precarious seventh spot to a solid fifth, guaranteeing that the opening playoff match would be played on familiar turf – a factor that can swing a tight two‑leg tie.
Coach Jorge Almirón summed it up after the final whistle: “Playing the first leg at home is a huge psychological edge. Our fans turned the stadium into a fortress, and that energy gave us the extra push we needed.” The sentiment was echoed by several fans who shouted “¡Viva los Xolos!” as the referee blew the game‑ending whistle.
Road to the final home game
The Xolos entered the Clausura 2024 season with a mixed bag of results – a shaky start of three draws in the first four weeks, then a surge of four straight wins that propelled them into playoff contention. By the time the 17th matchday arrived, they needed a win to guarantee a top‑eight finish; a loss could have seen them slip to ninth, missing the Liguilla altogether.
Puebla, on the other hand, had already secured a spot in the eighth position weeks earlier and were playing for pride. Their season had been a roller‑coaster, with a commendable defensive record but a goal‑scoring drought that left them relying on set‑piece chances.
Match recap: the decisive moments
The game kicked off under a clear sky, the stands packed with roughly 22,500 fans – a full house for a match that felt more like a playoff than a regular‑season fixture. The first breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Xolos’ winger Adrián Martínez slipped past Puebla’s backline and placed a low drive into the bottom corner.
Puebla answered quick‑silver. Eight minutes later, striker Jesús Maldonado nipped in from a corner and forced a rebound that he tapped into the net. The score was 1‑1, and the tension rose with every pass.
It was the Xolos’ captain, defender José Cota, who sealed the win in the 67th minute, heading a cross from the right flank past the Puebla goalkeeper. The final whistle confirmed a 2‑1 triumph, and the Xolos celebrated by spraying the fan‑filled stands with the club’s signature blue‑white confetti.
The rivalry in numbers
- Previous encounter (Sept 1 2023): Puebla 3‑0 at Estadio Cuauhtémoc.
- Current match (April 19 2024): Xolos 2‑1 at Estadio Caliente.
- Head‑to‑head in the last five meetings: Xolos 3 wins, Puebla 1 win, 1 draw.
- Overall league meetings since Xolos’ promotion in 2012: 28 matches, Xolos 12 wins, Puebla 10 wins, 6 draws.
These numbers show a rivalry that has shifted dramatically in the past two seasons, with Tijuana turning the tables after a painful 2023 loss.
Economic and cultural ripple effects
Beyond the points, the match generated a noticeable boost for the local economy. Ticket sales alone brought in an estimated $1.8 million in revenue, while surrounding businesses – bars, restaurants, and merch stalls – reported a 30 % uptick in sales on match day.
Estadio Caliente’s location right on the border gives the Xolos a unique fan blend, pulling in supporters from both Tijuana and neighboring San Diego. The cross‑border crowd creates a festive atmosphere that the league often highlights in its broadcast packages, adding value for sponsors and TV partners.
Looking ahead: what’s next for both clubs
With home‑field advantage secured, the Xolos will face the seventh‑seeded Club León in the Liguilla’s opening leg on May 3. Analyst Rogelio García predicts a tight contest, noting that León’s attacking trio can trouble any defence, but the Xolos’ recent form gives them the edge.
Puebla, meanwhile, will regroup for the upcoming Apertura season. Their coach, Rafael Gómez, admitted that the loss exposed a need for a more clinical striker, and the club has already identified two South American prospects to scout during the winter transfer window.
Both sides are slated to meet again on October 18, 2025, at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, a fixture that fans are already branding the “border derby of the decade.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the home‑field advantage affect the Xolos in the playoffs?
Playing the first leg at Estadio Caliente means the Xolos can set the tone with familiar pitch conditions and vocal fan support. Historically, Liga MX teams that host the opening match win roughly 58 % of those ties, giving them a strategic cushion for the away second leg.
What were the key moments that decided the April 19 match?
The decisive moments were Xolos’ opening goal by Adrián Martínez in the 23rd minute, Puebla’s equaliser from Jesús Maldonado ten minutes later, and the winning header from captain José Cota in the 67th minute, which broke the deadlock for good.
Who benefited economically from the match?
Beyond the clubs, local businesses around the stadium saw a sales surge of about 30 %. The estimated ticket‑sale revenue topped $1.8 million, and the broadcast rights fees contributed additional income for both the league and the participating clubs.
What does the rivalry look like historically?
Since Xolos entered Liga MX in 2012, the two clubs have met 28 times. Puebla held a slight edge early on, but recent fixtures – including the 2024 wins – have tilted the series in Tijuana’s favor, making the match‑up one of the league’s more unpredictable duels.
When will the teams meet again?
The next scheduled encounter is set for October 18, 2025, at Estadio Cuauhtémoc during the Apertura tournament, a match already generating buzz among fans on both sides of the border.
