Club Tijuana will host Cruz Azul at the Estadio Caliente this Friday, January 31, 2025, for Matchday 5 of the Liga MX Clausura, as both teams look to solidify their positions after mixed starts to the season.
Cruz Azul broke their three-game winless streak, finally clinching their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory over Necaxa. This much-needed win lifted them to five points, still trailing league leaders Tigres and America, who both sit at ten points. After starting the season with two draws and one loss, the team is eager to build momentum against Tijuana, who find themselves desperate for points.
On the flip side, Tijuana is reeling from their own performances, having suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of Tigres UANL, marking their second four-goal concession of the campaign. With only four points from their first twelve available, they sit twelfth on the table. Juan Carlos Osorio’s side will need to reconsider their strategies as they prepare to face off against Cruz Azul.
Kickoff for the match is set for 10:05 PM ET, with the game also being broadcast on TUDN and DirecTV Stream. Fans anxious to catch the action should note the different broadcast times across the United States: 10:05 PM ET, 9:05 PM CT, 8:05 PM MT, and 7:05 PM PT.
Historically, Cruz Azul holds the upper hand against Tijuana with 15 wins out of their last 32 encounters. Club Tijuana has eight wins to their name, with nine matches ending as draws. Despite Cruz Azul’s superior record, they have struggled at the Estadio Caliente, having failed to win their last three visits.
Both teams have been busy enhancing their rosters, with Tijuana recently adding defender Jackson Porozo, whose impact could be pivotal as their defensive line has been under scrutiny. Interim Cruz Azul manager Vicente Sánchez, following the departure of former coach Martín Anselmi, will have his squad brimming with confidence after their latest win.
The match will not only have implications for the standings but may also highlight key players. For Cruz Azul, the Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis scored his first goal of the season last game, making him one to watch. Meanwhile, Tijuana’s need for stable defensive play could open up opportunities for Cruz Azul’s aggressive offense.
Experts are predicting it to be competitive as both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, but also vulnerabilities. A closer look at recent performances shows Tijuana’s struggle to defend against quick counterattacks will be tested against Cruz Azul’s potent offense.
The previous encounters between Tijuana and Cruz Azul have often seen high-scoring affairs, with over 2.5 goals registered frequently. Betting predictions are leaning toward Cruz Azul coming away with three points, supported by their last match performance.
With the pressure mounting on both coaches to deliver results, this match could set the tone for their seasons moving forward. The tension is palpable, and as the matchday approaches, all eyes will be on Estadio Caliente.
Two teams standing on the precipice of pivotal moments—they must seize the chance to shift their season’s narrative.