The Xolos Tijuana vs Toluca Liga MX first-leg playoff mach will take place this Thursday, May 1, 2014 (8:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Caliente. The Rojinegros and Choriceros will face-off in what some have referred to as the most unbalanced among the four quarterfinal series. Toluca is the clear favorite to reach the semifinals, however, Club Tijuana will be no picnic as the ‘caninos’ have only lost two games at home since April of 2013.
Xolos of Tijuana joined the playoffs after a somewhat lucky Week 17 in which they lost to Club Leon, but where a series of results went in their favor. Although they qualified as the #7 seed, Xolos has demonstrated that at home they are a real threat as they have only lost twice this season, earning the third best home ranking.
Against Toluca, the ‘rojinegros’ will have a tremendous challenge as they face the #2 team, and a serious title contender. Fortunately for Xolos, they should have a completely healthy team, plus a full house which could give then the extra push to take the lead into the Estadio Nemesio Diez next Sunday.
The team coached by Jose Saturnino Cardozo has been phenomenal all semester long, finishing second place in the CONCACAF Champions League, and second in the Clausura 2014 standings; both behind Cruz Azul. The biggest strenght in Toluca has been their defense, which only received 14 goals for the best back-line in the Liga MX.
Against Xolos, Toluca will look to remain powerful on defense, especially considering they lost 1-3 at the Estadio Caliente during Week 14 less than a month ago. In fact, Toluca has only defeated Club Tijuana once in eight games. This Thursday, Cardozo wants to put an end to that negative record, and they have a great chance considering Tijuana’s irregularity.
Xolos Tijuana vs Toluca Prediction
The Xolos Tijuana vs Toluca first-leg quarterfinal will be a very close contest between one of the best teams in Mexico, against one of the top sides when playing at home (3rd). Toluca will stick true to their style which is to play offensively and to control possession of the ball. Unfortunately for them, Xolos plays at a different level at their stadium, and they will be the better team this Thursday. In a close and exciting game, the Xolos Tijuana vs Toluca match will end in a 1-0 win for the home side.
Xolos Tijuana vs Toluca TV Schedule
The Xolos Tijuana vs Toluca match will be televised on Azteca America and ESPN Deportes at 8:00 PM Pacific.
Xolos Tijuana vs Toluca Highlights
The Xolos Tijuana vs Toluca video highlights will be posted soon after the end of the match.
