Tijuana vs Chivas: 3-3 draw in a thrilling Apertura 2025 match

August 22, 2025, Liga MX (Photo: Club Tijuana)

At the Estadio Caliente one of the most intense matches and probably the best of the season so far unfolded, ending in a 3-3 draw between Tijuana and Guadalajara in the sixth round of the Apertura tournament. The match began with drama from the opening moments, as an injury in the third minute forced a change of rhythm. Shortly after, Gilberto Mora opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he found a loose ball inside the box and slotted it across goal past the keeper. The crowd erupted, with a massive turnout typical in Tijuana when Chivas, América or perhaps Cruz Azul come to town.

Chivas looked for the equalizer through attempts from former Xolos player Efraín Álvarez without success, while on the other end Tijuana wasted a golden chance to extend their lead when Adonis Preciado missed a penalty that was saved by José Rangel just before halftime. Controversy followed late in the first half when a harsh foul by Tona, initially given as a straight red card, was downgraded to a yellow after VAR review, a decision that left plenty of doubts on the visiting bench.

In the second half, Tijuana seemed headed for a rout. Frank Moya struck in the 50th minute to make it 2-0, and then Mora completed his brace in the 64th, giving the Xolos what appeared to be an unassailable 3-0 advantage. But the match would take an unexpected turn. Backed by a large contingent of Chivas fans who filled a good portion of the Estadio Caliente, Guadalajara showed grit and delivered the tournament’s most spectacular comeback. Armando González pulled one back in the 74th minute with a left-footed finish after a through ball, Efraín Álvarez equalized ten minutes later with a stunning free kick into the top corner, and in stoppage time Roberto Alvarado unleashed a left-footed strike from the edge of the area to seal the dramatic 3-3 draw.

The final whistle left contrasting emotions: bitter disappointment for Tijuana after letting a seemingly certain win slip away, and satisfaction for Chivas in rescuing a point in a night that will be remembered as the best game of the season so far. The intensity, refereeing controversy, passionate crowd and determination on the field combined to create a spectacle that kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the very last moment.