Xolos look to bounce back at home against Cruz Azul

Game: Tijuana Xolos vs. Cruz Azul

Where: Estadio, Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico

When: Friday, January 31, 2025

Time: 7:05 p.m. PST

TV: TUDN, VIX

The Tijuana Xolos will host Cruz Azul at the Estadio Caliente for a game in the 2025 Clausura season this Friday, January 31. Club Tijuana is coming off a rough 4-0 away loss against Tigres UANL and will be looking to bounce back with this home fixture.

The Border City Dogs won their last game at the Mictlan 2-1 against Queretaro and will be looking for a similar result. The Xoloitzcuintles have officially added defender Jackson Porozo and the announcement of the acquisition of Frank Boya is set to come shortly.

Juan Carlos Osorio is clearly trying to solidify his backline with a strong and physical presence and it will be interesting to see if Porozo debuts.

Defensive stability has been a major concern to start this season for the Xoloitzcuintles and this cannot fail against a team like Cruz Azul. The visitors have one of the best rosters Liga MX and have an explosive offense that just scored three goals in their last game.

Former manager Martin Anselmi recently left Cruz Azul for an opportunity to coach in Europe, but the team won its first game of the season without him. The Mexico City team is very well-balanced but usually opts for a very aggressive and offensive approach with a three-man backline.

Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis scored his first goal of the season in his last game and is a danger up top with his potent physical presence. Young forward Luka Romero is also one of the most exciting young players in the league, fresh off a stint in Spanish and Italian top-flight football.

It will be interesting to see how interim manager Vicente Sanchez approaches this match against a Xolos team that can be aggressive at home. Juan Carlos Osorio may potentially need to be wary of quick-paced counterattacks by Cruz Azul in this match.

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.