On January 28, 2025, Tigres UANL delivered an impressive performance at the Estadio Universitario, defeating Tijuana 4-0 during Jornada 4 of the Liga MX Clausura 2025. The match showcased Tigres’ dominance, propelled by Juan Brunetta’s remarkable display, who scored two goals within the match.
The game kicked off at 9:00 PM local time, with Tigres entering the contest as the second-placed team, having secured seven points from their previous matches. Their initial victories came against Atlético San Luis and Mazatlán, followed by an unsatisfactory draw against Guadalajara. Tijuana, on the other hand, arrived with only three points—having had one win, one draw, and one loss previously, making the stakes high for both teams.
The opening goal came early, with Juan Brunetta capitalizing fiercely. His strike at the first minute set the tone for the match, highlighting Tigres’ attacking intent right from the start. Not long after, Tigres maintained pressure and controlled the ball, showcasing exceptional teamwork and tactical discipline.
Brunetta continued to shine, adding another goal at the 61st minute, increasing the lead to 2-0. He displayed impressive composure, finding space to strike from just outside the penalty box and placing the ball past Tijuana's goalkeeper Jesus Corona. The fans erupted with excitement as it became increasingly apparent who would dominate the night.
Juan Pablo Vigón added to the scoreline with Tigres’ third goal from the penalty spot at the 84th minute. The decision to award the penalty came after Ramiro Árciga (Tijuana) committed a foul inside the area against Brunetta. Vigón confidently converted the chance, extending the lead to 3-0, and solidifying their control of the match.
Just before the final whistle, Joaquim Pereira capped off the scoring with yet another goal, sealing the match at 4-0. He found himself at the right place following another swift attacking move by Tigres, showing how well they exploited Tijuana’s defensive vulnerabilities. This goal underscored the well-rounded performance of Tigres as they pressed forward with relentless energy.
It was evident throughout the match how Veljko Paunovic’s side had prepared strategically to capitalize on Tijuana’s weaknesses. Tigres’ formation of 4-5-1 allowed them to dominate midfield play, gaining control and dictation of the match’s pace. Their defense, led by Nahuel Guzmán, effectively shut down Tijuana's advances, minimizing their threats throughout the game.
For Tijuana, managed by Juan Carlos Osorio, the match was disappointing. After initially struggling, they had hoped to build momentum following their first win against Querétaro, but found themselves on the back foot against Tigres’ attacking prowess. Their inability to construct attacks or maintain possession highlighted the mismatch evident on the night.
Notably, when it came to discipline, Tijuana struggled with multiple yellow cards throughout the game, showcasing their frustration at not being able to contain the home side's continuous threats. Unai Bilbao and several teammates found themselves penalized as they committed unnecessary fouls during their chase for the ball.
Boasting the best performance of the night without doubt, Juan Brunetta walked off the pitch as the standout player, contributing significantly to his team’s success. His ability to create opportunities extended beyond his goals, as he regularly positioned himself well and assisted teammates' efforts as well.
With this win, Tigres UANL leapfrogged to the top of the Liga MX standings with 10 points, solidifying their position as title contenders early on this season. The team is scheduled to face Toluca next, which will be another defining match to maintain their winning momentum.
Tijuana, sitting at 12th place with only 4 points, is left to reflect on their needs for improvement as they prepare for upcoming matches against Cruz Azul and Chivas, desperate to rebound from this heavy defeat. Their next encounters will require significant tactical adjustments to regain any footing within the league.
This match was not only significant for the standings but also served as proof of Tigres UANL’s growing confidence under Paunovic, igniting excitement among their fans for what may become another promising season for one of Mexico's premier clubs.