The curtain has officially risen on the Torneo Clausura 2026 of Liga MX, and what a way to kick things off: a high-stakes clash between Club Tijuana, also known as Xolos, and the ever-ambitious Club América. Played under the bright lights of Estadio Caliente on Friday, January 9, 2026, this opening match brought together two clubs hungry to set the tone for a promising new campaign. The 33,333-seat venue buzzed with anticipation as fans gathered, eager to see how both sides would fare after significant off-season changes.
For Tijuana, this match was more than just a fresh start—it was a chance to erase memories of last season’s seventh-place finish and quarterfinal elimination in the Play-In stage. The Xolos, determined to climb higher in the standings, bolstered their squad with two notable reinforcements: Ignacio Rivero, arriving from Cruz Azul, and Josef Martínez, who made the jump from San Jose in the United States. The mood among home supporters was one of cautious optimism, with hopes that these new faces would inject energy and resolve.
On the other side, América entered the Clausura with a chip on their shoulder. The Águilas, who finished fourth in the previous campaign and earned a direct quarterfinal berth, were still licking their wounds after being knocked out by Monterrey with a heartbreaker in stoppage time. Determined to avoid a repeat, América’s front office was busy over the break, securing four reinforcements: Max Serrano from Toluca’s U-20 squad, Rodrigo Dourado from Atlético de San Luis, Fernando Tapia from Tigres, and Aarón Mejía from Tijuana. These additions signaled a clear intention to compete for the title from day one.
But the drama wasn’t limited to the pitch. América’s coach, André Jardine, was unable to lead his team from the sidelines due to a suspension carried over from last season’s playoff loss. In his stead, Paulo Victor took the reins, adding another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated matchup.
As kickoff approached, the teams lined up with their best available talent. América’s starting eleven featured Luis Malagón in goal, with Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, Kevin Álvarez, and Cristian Borja anchoring the defense. The midfield trio of Álvaro Fidalgo, Rodrigo Dourado, and Alexis Gutiérrez promised both grit and creativity, while the attacking trident of José Zúñiga, Rodrigo Aguirre, and the dynamic Allan Saint-Maximin aimed to test Tijuana’s back line.
Tijuana countered with Antonio Rodríguez between the posts, shielded by Rafael Fernández, Unai Bilbao, Jackson Porozo, and Jesús Vega. In midfield, Kevin Castañeda and Joe Corona provided experience, while Gilberto Mora, Mourad Daoudi, and Adonis Preciado sought to spark the attack. The inclusion of Iván Tona in defense and the emotional presence of Joe Corona, who marked his retirement in this match, added both sentiment and steel to the Xolos’ approach.
The opening whistle signaled not just the start of the match, but of a new chapter for both clubs. Early exchanges were tense, with América pressing high and Tijuana looking to break quickly. The first half saw both sides carve out chances, but neither could find the breakthrough. América’s Allan Saint-Maximin flashed his trademark pace, creating danger on the flanks, while Tijuana’s Adonis Preciado and Mourad Daoudi threatened with shots from distance. Yet, the goalkeepers—Malagón for América and Rodríguez for Tijuana—stood tall, each making crucial saves to keep the score level.
The match’s physicality was evident from the start. Fouls came thick and fast, with Patricio Salas of América earning a yellow card for a tough challenge on Iván Tona. Substitutions began to flow as both coaches sought to inject fresh legs and ideas. América brought on Brian Rodríguez and Patricio Salas in the second half, while Tijuana introduced Josef Martínez and Ignacio Rivero, hoping to tip the balance in their favor.
As the clock ticked down, the tension in Estadio Caliente grew palpable. Tijuana’s Gilberto Mora drove into the box, only for his final pass to go astray, much to the frustration of the home crowd. América, too, had their moments—Rodrigo Aguirre forced a spectacular diving save from Toño Rodríguez, and Víctor Dávila, coming off the bench, nearly snatched a late winner with a stinging left-footed shot from outside the area. But once again, the goalkeepers proved unbeatable.
"Atajadón de Toño!" exclaimed the commentators as Rodríguez denied Aguirre with a reflex save that drew applause from both sets of fans. Moments like these defined a match that, while goalless, was anything but dull. The fourth official signaled three minutes of added time at the end of each half, but neither side could break the deadlock.
Beyond the action, there was a sense of transition in the air. This match marked the end of an era for Joe Benny Corona, who bid farewell to professional football amid hugs from teammates and cheers from the stands. For both clubs, new signings and tactical tweaks hinted at evolving identities, with fans left to wonder just how high their teams might soar this season.
Looking back at recent meetings between these sides, the draw continued a trend of closely contested affairs. In their last five encounters, América had won twice, with the other matches ending in draws—a testament to the competitive balance that has come to define this rivalry.
For viewers around the world, the match was accessible through a range of broadcast and streaming options: FOX ONE and streaming services in Mexico, TUDN and VIX Premium in the United States, and local providers elsewhere. Kickoff times accommodated fans from Argentina to Honduras, underscoring the widespread appeal of Liga MX’s opening weekend.
As the final whistle blew and the scoreboard read 0-0, both teams walked away with a point—and, perhaps more importantly, a sense of what lies ahead. Tijuana’s new signings showed promise, América’s depth was on display, and the league’s opening act delivered plenty of intrigue. With a long season ahead, supporters of both Xolos and Águilas will be watching closely, eager to see which tweaks and talents will make the difference in the weeks to come.
The Torneo Clausura 2026 is officially underway, and if this opener is any indication, fans are in for a rollercoaster ride. Stay tuned—this story is just getting started.
