Xolos de Tijuana delivered one of the biggest surprises of the Apertura 2025 so far, stunning Pachuca 2-0 on August 16 at Estadio Hidalgo and ending the Tuzos’ perfect run in front of their home fans. Few could have predicted this result, especially with Xolos arriving as perceived underdogs, still reeling from a recent Leagues Cup elimination and facing a team that had been flawless through the first four rounds of Liga MX action. But football loves an upset, and Saturday night in the Bella Airosa provided just that.
The story of the night belonged to 16-year-old Gilberto Mora, a rising star already being hailed as the “Mexican gem.” Mora, a youth national team player, continues to dazzle with his performances and on this occasion, he made his mark early. In the 33rd minute, a pinpoint cross from Árciga found Mora ghosting in at the far post. With a superbly timed leap, he powered a header low and out of reach of Pachuca’s goalkeeper Carlos Moreno, giving Xolos a shock lead. The goal was more than just a scoreline changer—it was a statement of intent from a teenager many believe is destined for greatness.
“He’s perfect, he shoots with his left, right, scores goals, and speaks English,” Xolos coach Sebastián ‘Loco’ Abreu said admiringly of Mora, according to ESPN. The praise has only grown louder as Mora’s form continues to inspire fans and even catch the eye of the Mexican national team staff. Less than a year before the next World Cup, speculation is mounting that Mora could be a surprise inclusion in the senior squad. His performances in Liga MX and with the youth national teams have already set him apart, and Saturday’s header only added more fuel to the hype.
But it wasn’t just Mora making headlines. As the first half drew to a close, Xolos struck again—this time from a set piece. In stoppage time, Kevin Castañeda lined up a free kick from the left flank. The delivery didn’t look immediately threatening, but a lapse in concentration from Carlos Moreno proved costly. The ball slipped through a sea of legs and Moreno’s grasp, nestling into the back of the net for a 2-0 Xolos lead. The stunned silence inside Estadio Hidalgo spoke volumes; Pachuca’s perfect record was slipping away.
The second half brought even more drama. Xolos’ task was made tougher when Domingo Blanco received a red card after a VAR review for a harsh challenge on Elías Montiel, leaving the visitors with ten men for the final half hour. Abreu responded with tactical changes, sacrificing Mora to shore up the midfield and defense. The decision was a tough one, but it underscored the team’s determination to hold onto their historic advantage.
With a numerical edge, Pachuca pressed relentlessly. The Tuzos had their chances—twice hitting the post in the dying minutes and seeing a penalty call overturned by VAR after it was determined Frank Boyá hadn’t handled the ball. Yet, Xolos’ defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Toño Rodríguez, held firm. Rodríguez flew from post to post, making crucial saves and ensuring the clean sheet. For the first time in club history, Xolos left Estadio Hidalgo with all three points.
The impact of Mora’s performance wasn’t lost on the national stage. Mexican National Teams director Andrés Lillini offered a measured perspective, cautioning against premature hype. “He is not a first division player,” Lillini told Récord. “He has many challenges ahead and should not be labeled a star just yet. Today he makes a difference, but he is still a youth player.” Lillini detailed Mora’s rapid progression through the national team ranks—from U16, where he played two years above his age, to U20, where he continued to impress. “He has a great understanding of the game, different from the rest. But I still maintain he is a youth, not yet a first division player. That’s my opinion.”
Despite the tempered expectations from Lillini, there’s no denying Mora’s impact. He’s become an inspiration for fans and coaches alike, his maturity and skill belying his age. The excitement surrounding his future is palpable, and every performance seems to add another layer to his burgeoning legend. Yet, as Lillini emphasized, the journey is just beginning. The demands of top-flight football are relentless, and the pressure on young talents in Mexico is immense. For now, Mora is handling those expectations with poise and humility.
Saturday’s victory also marked a significant milestone for Xolos as a team. Not only did they end Pachuca’s unbeaten streak, but they also recorded their first-ever win at Estadio Hidalgo—a venue that had previously been a fortress against them. The result serves as a morale boost for Abreu’s squad, especially after their recent struggles. It’s a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline, particularly after going down to ten men against one of the league’s most potent attacks.
For Pachuca, the defeat is a reality check but not a disaster. Despite the loss, the Tuzos remain atop the Apertura 2025 standings, still holding onto the superliderato. Coach Jaime Lozano will have little time to dwell on the setback, with an important clash against LA Galaxy looming on August 20—a match that could determine their path to the Concachampions. Xolos, meanwhile, will look to carry their momentum into their next fixture against Chivas on August 22.
The Jornada 5 shake-up has injected new intrigue into the Liga MX narrative. Upsets like Xolos’ win over Pachuca are what make Mexican football endlessly captivating, reminding everyone that in this league, anything can happen on any given night. As for Gilberto Mora, the spotlight will only grow brighter. Whether he’s ready for the full glare of first division stardom remains to be seen, but for now, he’s given fans—and perhaps even his doubters—plenty to talk about.
As the dust settles on a memorable night in Hidalgo, Xolos’ historic triumph and Gilberto Mora’s coming-of-age performance have set the stage for an even more unpredictable Apertura. With big matches on the horizon for both teams, all eyes will be on how these storylines continue to unfold in the weeks ahead.
