Pachuca delivered a dominant display against Club Tijuana, securing a resounding 4-1 victory on March 16, 2025, at Estadio Hidalgo. The win marked a significant turnaround for Pachuca, who had previously struggled to maintain consistent form. From the first whistle, Pachuca showcased their attacking capabilities and defensive solidity, leaving Tijuana with little room to mount any meaningful challenge.
The match kicked off with high intensity, as both teams were eager for early dominance. Pachuca wasted no time, drawing first blood within the opening 15 minutes. Santiago Homenchenko broke the deadlock with a well-placed shot from outside the box, leaving Tijuana goalkeeper José Antonio Rodríguez with no chance.
Just 33 minutes later, John Kennedy doubled Pachuca’s lead with his back-heel finish following creative play from Oussama Idrissi. Tijuana struggled to find their rhythm, often falling prey to Pachuca's aggressive pressing and sharp passing which kept them pinned back. They managed few chances and looked shaky defensively throughout the first half, allowing Pachuca to dominate possession.
After the halftime break, Tijuana attempted to regroup, and their efforts were rewarded when Raúl Zúñiga scored early in the second half, bringing the score to 2-1, raising hopes for the visitors. But instead of capitulating, Pachuca responded quickly by regaining their two-goal advantage. Salomón Rondón fired home effectively to make it 3-1.
With Tijuana desperate for another response, Pachuca struck again, sealing the game with Juan Sigala’s debut goal, solidifying their incredible performance on the night.
Pachuca's goalkeeper Carlos Moreno proved to be largely untroubled, only needing to make one notable save from Zúñiga as he tried to cut the deficit. The final whistle confirmed Pachuca’s commanding victory, much to their fans' delight and frustration for Tijuana's supporters.
Key highlights of the match included Pachuca's clinical finishing and superior playmaking, which were instrumental to their success. Their attacking efficiency, coupled with Tijuana’s defensive weaknesses, made for an uphill battle for the visitors. Playing at home, Pachuca capitalized on familiar conditions, reinforced by strong fan support. This victory not only boosts Pachuca's position significantly but also raises alarming questions for Tijuana, who now languish at the bottom of the table.
Following the match, players expressed their satisfaction with the result. John Kennedy, who netted his eighth goal of the season, said, "We needed this win to get back on track, and fortunately, we delivered today." Meanwhile, Tijuana's coach, who had faced criticism for the team's poor form, acknowledged the need for immediate changes as they continue to struggle this season.
Pachuca now finds itself strengthening its position within the playoff contenders of Liga MX, aiming to translate this performance momentum to future matches. Conversely, Tijuana must quickly regroup and address defensive lapses if they are to salvage their season and avoid relegation. This match concludes the twelfth matchday of the Clausura 2025, showcasing how closely contested and unpredictable Liga MX can be.
Looking forward, Pachuca will be eager to build on this success as they set their eyes on higher placements within the league. Meanwhile, Tijuana faces tough challenges up the road, requiring not only tactical adjustments but perhaps new strategic direction to steer themselves out of the relegation zone.