Tijuana vs Monterrey: Thrilling 2-2 Draw in Liga MX Apertura 2025

High Stakes and High Drama: Matchday 12 at Estadio Caliente

Sunday night in Tijuana was anything but ordinary. As the sun set over Estadio Caliente, fans poured in with hopes, nerves, and painted faces. This wasn’t just another league fixture—it was a crucial Liga MX Apertura 2025 encounter between two clubs hungry for more than just points. Tijuana’s Xolos, sitting in the play-in zone, welcomed Monterrey, a team carrying the weight of past successes and current expectations. Both had their sights set on the upper echelons of the league table, and neither seemed willing to blink first.

The anticipation was palpable even before kickoff. Monterrey, smarting from a recent heavy defeat to Toluca but buoyed by a narrow win over Santos Laguna, arrived with tactical intent. Tijuana, fresh off a morale-boosting 2-0 win against Cruz Azul, sensed an opportunity to climb higher. The stands buzzed with speculation: Could Xolos’ home advantage tip the scales, or would Monterrey’s experience see them through?

A Fast Start and a Sudden Setback

From the opening whistle, the match was lively. Xolos seized the initiative, pushing forward with intent. The early momentum paid off at just 12 minutes, when Frank Boya sent the home fans into a frenzy by slotting in the first goal (el-balad.com). It was a move that showcased Tijuana’s quick transitions and willingness to exploit spaces left by Monterrey’s five-man defensive line—an unexpected tactical choice from coach Domenec Torrent. The visitors seemed momentarily rattled.

But the excitement was soon tempered by concern. Monterrey’s right wing-back, Ricardo Chávez, who had looked bright in the opening exchanges, suffered an injury and was forced off the field. Medical staff rushed in, and the atmosphere shifted—on the pitch and in the stands. Losing Chávez so early was a blow to Monterrey’s rhythm and forced Torrent to recalibrate his plans.

Equalizers, Tactical Adjustments, and a Match in Flux

The injury did little to dampen Monterrey’s resolve. As the first half wore on, they adapted, growing in confidence and seeking ways to disrupt Tijuana’s flow. Their patience paid off just before halftime. A clever through ball found Óliver Torres on the flank, who delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Germán Berterame rose above the defenders, meeting the ball with precision and leveling the score. The away supporters erupted, sensing a shift in momentum as the whistle blew for the break (VAVEL).

Both teams retreated to their dressing rooms, coaches frantically scribbling adjustments and players catching their breath. The tactical chess match was on. Monterrey’s switch to a more aggressive press in midfield sought to choke Xolos’ distribution, but Tijuana’s discipline and counter-attacking threat kept the visitors honest. The next goal, it seemed, would come down to a moment of brilliance or a lapse in concentration.

And so it did. Early in the second half, Tijuana regained the lead thanks to Cameroonian striker Mourad El Ghezounai. Meeting a curling cross from Rafael Fernández, El Ghezounai’s initial header rattled the post, but he reacted quickest to smash home the rebound. Estadio Caliente roared back to life, the Xolos faithful sensing another famous home win.

Monterrey, however, refused to yield. With substitutions reshaping both lineups—Lucas Ocampos making way for Jesús “El Tecatito” Corona, and Xolos introducing young debutant Kevin Escamilla—the rhythm of the match shifted again. La Pandilla pressed higher, circulating the ball with increasing urgency. Their persistence was rewarded in the dying moments of regular time, as they forced a set piece and capitalized with a dramatic late equalizer. Tension hung in the air as the fourth official signaled a lengthy period of stoppage time.

The Final Minutes: Nerves, Near Misses, and a Stalemate

The closing stages were fraught with anxiety for both teams. Xolos, sensing the risk of losing it all, retreated deeper, inviting Monterrey to attack. The visitors, emboldened by their late goal, pushed for a winner. The midfield became a battleground, with neither side able to maintain sustained possession. Monterrey came close from a set piece, but Antonio Rodríguez in the Tijuana goal stood firm.

With eight minutes added on, the crowd lived every pass, tackle, and near-miss. Players on both sides showed signs of fatigue—cramps, heavy legs, and the telltale urgency that comes with knowing every action could tip the balance. In the end, the referee’s whistle brought relief and a sense of unresolved business. The scoreboard read 2-2, a result that reflected both the balance of play and the high stakes at hand.

Implications and the Road Ahead

For Tijuana, the draw means another precious point in their quest to solidify a playoff spot. Their record now stands at 5 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, with a healthy goal difference and growing confidence in their ability to compete with the league’s elite. Monterrey, meanwhile, maintain their position near the top of the table, despite the setback of Chávez’s injury and the challenge of playing away from home.

Both teams left the field with reasons for optimism and concern. Xolos demonstrated resilience and attacking flair, but their inability to hold a late lead may haunt them. Monterrey’s depth and tactical flexibility were on display, yet injuries and defensive lapses remain areas to address.

For fans watching across the United States and Mexico—on TUDN USA, ViX, Tubi México, Caliente TV, and FOX’s streaming service—the match was a reminder of why Liga MX captivates week after week (emegypt.net). High-octane football, unpredictable turns, and moments that linger long after the final whistle.

In a league where margins are razor-thin, Tijuana and Monterrey’s 2-2 draw stands as a testament to the intensity and unpredictability of Mexican football. Both sides showcased tactical discipline and moments of individual brilliance, but the night’s defining image might be that of Ricardo Chávez’s injury—a reminder that even in the pursuit of glory, vulnerability is never far away. With playoffs looming, every point, every substitution, and every setback could shape the narrative of the season’s end.