Pachuca achieved a resounding victory over Xolos de Tijuana with a score of 4-1 during the Jornada 12 of the Liga MX Clausura 2025, fought at the Estadio Hidalgo on March 16, 2025. This powerful performance not only showcased the Tuzos’ offensive strength but also placed them firmly within the playoff contention.
The match was particularly emotional for Santiago Homenchenko, who scored the opening goal at the 26th minute. Upon netting his first goal for the team, he dedicated it to his sick mother, visibly moved as tears flowed down his cheeks. "It was emotional to dedicate my goal to my sick mother," said Homenchenko, bringing light to his personal struggle as he aims to support his family during challenging times.
Following Homenchenko's inspiring start, John Kennedy, known fondly as "Presidente Kennedy," extended the lead just minutes later at the 33rd minute. With this goal, he not only marked his ninth of the season but also reinforced his status as one of the key players for Pachuca. "We played well tonight, and it’s great to help the team secure the win," he remarked after the match.
Continuing their dominating play, Salomón Rondón found the net just after halftime, delivering the third goal for Pachuca at the 55th minute. His precise shot sent the ball sailing past the Tijuana goalkeeper Antonio Rodríguez, who had struggled throughout the match. Rondón emphasized the importance of this victory, stating, "Every match counts, and we needed this win to stay competitive."
Despite the mounting pressure, Xolos managed to strike back late in the game. José Raúl "Pantera" Zúñiga scored for Tijuana at the 89th minute, providing his team with a moment of pride amid their struggles. Zúñiga expressed, "We are working hard to turn our situation around," indicative of the uncertainties surrounding the team since they had recently parted ways with their coach.
To add to the celebrations for Pachuca, Juan Alexander Sigala, just 17 years old, made his first appearance on the pitch. He scored during stoppage time at the 90+5 minute, sealing the match at 4-1. The moment marked not just a personal accomplishment for Sigala but also underscored his potential within the squad. Teammates have rallied around him, celebrating his debut goal with exuberance.
This convincing victory brought Pachuca to 21 points, placing them seventh on the Liga MX table and well within range for the Play-In phase. Meanwhile, Xolos find themselves at the bottom, with only 7 points, highlighting their dire need for redemption as they face the remaining fixtures of the season. Historically, Pachuca remains undefeated at home against Tijuana, maintaining ten wins and four draws at the Estadio Hidalgo.
Reflecting on the match, the Tuzos expressed confidence moving forward, fueled by this victory. The atmosphere at the Estadio Hidalgo was electric, with fans celebrating not just the score, but the emotional journeys of their players. This win marks not only a much-needed boost for Pachuca but raises questions about what lies next for Tijuana. Can they recover from this latest loss and turn their season around?