On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Club Deportivo Guadalajara, popularly known as Chivas, will face Xolos de Tijuana in a friendly match at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. This encounter takes place amidst the FIFA date, allowing teams the opportunity to stay active while many key players are away on international duty.
Chivas recently secured a 2-0 victory over Atlas, showcasing their determination to solidify their tactical approach under head coach Gerardo Espinoza. However, the Olympic champions face a challenge as several players, including Luis Romo, Raúl Rangel, and Roberto Alvarado, are unavailable for selection due to call-ups for the Mexican national team. Joining them on the sidelines are young talents such as Hugo Camberos and Yael Padilla.
The match against Xolos is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 Central Time. The friendly provides Espinoza with an ideal opportunity to test various lineups and give valuable game time to younger players who have not featured prominently in recent competitive fixtures. This strategy mirrors their recent approach in the match against Atlas, where youthful energy was a critical factor in securing the win.
In this matchup, TV Azteca Deportes will broadcast the game on their Azteca Deportes Network as well as through their app and website. Furthermore, while Chivas plans to air the match on Azteca 7, this will be available as a delayed broadcast, allowing fans who miss the live showing a chance to catch the action later. This accessibility emphasizes the importance of the friendly, especially given the absence of many key players.
The context of this match is particularly vital as both teams come in with contrasting fortunes. Chivas, currently 10th in the Liga MX standings, is looking to stabilize after a shaky start to their season. With just a handful of victories, the team is navigating the pressure of turning their performance around as they seek to qualify for the playoffs.
Xolos de Tijuana are in a far less comfortable position, sitting at the bottom of the Liga MX table with only seven points to their name. Following the departure of coach Juan Carlos Osorio, they continue to struggle with poor form, highlighted by an alarming 31 goals conceded so far this season. As one of the league's weakest defenses, the team needs to pivot quickly to improve their standing.
Historically, the rivalry between Chivas and Xolos has produced numerous memorable moments on the pitch. In their last five encounters, Chivas holds a slight advantage with three wins against Tijuana's one, alongside one draw. Recent scores include a decisive 2-1 victory for Chivas in the Clausura 2025, a 4-2 loss for Chivas in 2024, and a 1-0 win for Chivas in the Apertura 2023. Thus, the stakes are high as both teams vie to assert dominance over their opponent.
In preparation for the friendly, both teams have been ramping up their training. The prospect of playing in front of an eager crowd at Snapdragon Stadium adds to the excitement surrounding the event. Supporters are looking forward to seeing how Chivas adapts their tactics without their core players, while Xolos aim to show resilience and character after a tumultuous season thus far.
The matchup between Chivas and Xolos represents a critical test for both sides, not only in terms of performance but also in boosting morale as they navigate the uncharted waters of this Liga MX season. For Chivas, demonstrating their tactical flexibility and depth will be key as they look to secure a positive result and continue building momentum ahead of their upcoming league fixtures.
As fans gear up for the match, excitement runs high for what promises to be an entertaining clash between these two historic teams. The hope is that both sides will use this opportunity to lay a foundation of improvement for the remainder of the Liga MX season.
