In what has recently become a budding rivalry in Liga MX, there is rarely a lack of drama when both Tijuana and Leon take the field. Once stuck fighting for promotion into the Mexican first division, the animosity between these two has transitioned over into a growing list of memorable Liga MX battles.
In theory, Leon should be the easy favorites here as the current Liga MX title-holders, but after a slow start to the year, things should even out for Tijuana when they host Friday night’s match.
It’s probably a stretch to say that Tijuana could get the win, and yet, they should also have no excuses for at least a point at home this week.
Pick:
Tie ( +220)
How to Watch Club Tijuana vs Leon
| Club Tijuana vs Leon Information |
| What |
Club Tijuana vs Leon |
| Where |
Estadio Caliente (Tijuana, Mexico) |
| When |
Friday, February 12th at 10:00 PM ET |
| How to Watch |
FS2 |
Heading into Week 6 of the 2021 Clausura, we can now finally start to get a sense of patterns and expectations for Liga MX sides. While many continue to be stuck in a lethargic preseason-like state, others have taken advantage of their negligence through an early sprint in the tournament that have provided extremely valuable points.
Leon, unfortunately, are not one of these teams that have been off to the races. Perhaps still dealing with a championship hangover, the current champions have failed to impress after only amassing four points in their first four games.
And as for Tijuana?
Tijuana Should Be Set On Extending Their Undefeated Streak
There’s much to like about the Bordertown team in 2021. Under the guidance of manager Pablo Guede, there’s a newfound sense of organization and identity for a roster that looked incomplete in late 2020.
The backline has been reinforced by newcomer Gonzalo Jara, the midfield has been revitalized by new (and returning) faces like Fidel Martinez and Junior Sornoza, and in net, Jonathan Orozco has arguably been the best goalkeeper of the Liga MX season so far. Thanks to these key figures, Tijuana are now just one of three teams that have yet to lose a game this season.
Given the trends of their good performances, that undefeated streak should continue at their home ground of the Estadio Caliente — a venue that is much-despised by opponents for its artificial turf.
But Is There Enough Evidence To Point To A Victory For Tijuana?
What about a win? That’s another conversation altogether. Tijuana have more draws than wins so far this season, and despite the praise given to Guede and his project, it isn’t exactly perfect.
Last week, Tijuana were easily second-best in their recent 2-2 draw with San Luis. In the week beforehand, they nearly squandered their 3-0 lead over Toluca that eventually and nervously finished in a 3-2 scoreline.
Looking further back, there’s no doubt that Orozco has needed to stand on his head in net, and at the time of writing, no goalkeeper has needed to make more saves than Tijuana’s captain.
Leon Have Been One Of The More Disappointing Sides From 2021
In a different season, this should have been a perfect opportunity for Leon to get a crucial win over their adversaries. Through a satisfying result that capitalizes on Tijuana’s small and remaining issues that have yet to be fixed, Leon should be the ideal team to halt Tijuana’s building confidence.
But sadly for Leon, they don’t look like that kind of squad in early 2021. Weeks after winning the 2020 Apertura title, they’ve been inefficient in front of the net, defensively porous, and also spiritless.
There’s a serious lack of intensity within the roster, and other than a late 2nd half effort that clinched a 3-1 win over San Luis a couple of weeks back, there haven’t been many highlights from them so far this season.
Ahead of their match against Tijuana, the current champions will be shuffling in with only one win and six goals allowed.
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