Jornada 10 of the Liga MX Apertura 2026 was the most talked about match as the match between Tijuana and Atlas proved to be the most exciting in this round. Played at the Estadio Caliente, the match started at 9 pm Mexico time on September 25, 2026, and at 8:30 am IST on September 26 in India. It was a do-or-die match for both teams.
Tijuana, fondly known as Xolos, was playing at home and was in 7th place with 14 points from 8 matches. Atlas, also on 14 points, was in 9th place after playing 9 matches. Therefore, the winning team could advance directly to the top six.
Final Score: Club Tijuana 2 - 3 Atlas FC
The result of the match is final; Atlas defeated Tijuana 3-2 at home. The match summary was as follows:
First Half: Tijuana 2-1 Atlas
Second Half: Tijuana 0-2 Atlas
Goal by Goal Live Commentary
The match started fast. Atlas began with their attacking lineup. Their striker Ryan Mmaei scored in the 15th minute to give his team a 1-0 lead. This goal came on an assist from Luis Esteves.
Tijuana did not accept defeat. In front of 28,000 home fans, Xolos immediately attacked. In the 20th minute, an Atlas defender was fouled in the penalty area. The referee awarded a penalty, and Mourad El Ghezouani converted it in the 22nd minute to make the score 1-1.
Then came the most beautiful goal of the match in the 36th minute. Adonis Preciado crossed from the right wing, and Ignacio Rivero scored with a powerful header to give Tijuana a 2-1 lead. There was an atmosphere of celebration throughout the Estadio Caliente. The first half ended 2-1.
Atlas coach Hernan Crespo made two changes in the second half. They sent out Paulo Ramirez and Ryan Mmaee and brought in Sergio Hernandez and Jorge Martin. This paid off. Atlas increased ball possession. Statistics show Atlas had 72% possession, while Tijuana only had 28%. Atlas made 515 passes, of which 451 were correct (88% accuracy), while Tijuana made only 196.
The match started to turn from the 72nd minute. Atlas scored two consecutive goals, making the score 2-3. With this win, Atlas secured three important points.
Where was it live?
The official broadcast of this match in Mexico was on FOX (Pay TV) and live streaming was available on OTT platforms on FOX One. In the USA, the match was also shown on TUDN. In India, live updates were available on Sportradar and Flashscore at 8:30 am.
Playing 11 of both teams
Tijuana – Formation 4-1-4-1
Goalkeeper: A. Rodriguez
Defenders: R. Arciga (until 72'), Unai Bilbo (out of injury until 41'), A. Gomez, J. Vega
Midfield: I. Tona, A. Perez, F. Gonzalez
Forwards: I. Rivero, Adonis Preciado, Mourad El Ghezouani
Substitutes: A. Magallon, F. Boya, Y. Padilla, A. Zapata
Coach: S. Abreu
Atlas – Formation 3-4-2-1
Goalkeeper: C. Vargas
Defenders: J. Purata, E. Zaldivar, G. Aguirre
Midfield: Paulo Ramirez (57'), M. Valenzuela, R. Mmaee (74'), Luis Esteves
Forwards: F. Monzon, D. Abreu, Elias Manoel
Substitutes: S. Hernandez, A. Gonzalez, J. Martin, A. Rocha
Coach: Hernan Crespo
*Important Stats*
Total Shots: Tijuana 7, Atlas 18
Shots on Target: Tijuana 5, Atlas 4
Possession: Tijuana 28%, Atlas 72%
Corners: Tijuana 5, Atlas 10
Fouls: Tijuana 6, Atlas 11
Yellow Card: Sergio Hernandez (Atlas) got it in the 79th minute.
Passing Accuracy: Atlas 88%, Tijuana 74%
Impact of FIFA Break – Key Players Missing
This match was played during the FIFA International Window. Therefore, both teams played without their star players.
Tijuana's 17-year-old wonderkid, Gilberto Mora, was called up by the Mexican National Team, so he did not play. Atlas' star defender, Jorge Sanchez, was also with the Mexican team. Therefore, both coaches had to give opportunities to younger players.
What does this victory mean?
After this victory, Atlas has 17 points in 9 matches and is now in 6th position, which will lead directly to the Liguilla. Tijuana is still in 9th place with 14 points.
In Liga MX, the top six teams advance directly to the quarterfinals, while teams ranked 7th through 10th play in the playoffs. Therefore, the next seven matches are crucial for Tijuana.
Head-to-Head of the Last 5 Years
There are always high-scoring matches between the two teams:
2026 Clausura: Atlas 2-1 Tijuana
2025 Apertura: Tijuana 2-0 Atlas
2025 Clausura: Tijuana 3-4 Atlas
2024 Apertura Play-In: Tijuana 3-0 Atlas
2024 Apertura: Atlas 0-0 Tijuana
Fan Reaction
On social media, Atlas fans called this comeback the best of the season. Tijuana fans were also upset with their defense, as they squandered a 2-1 lead.
Next Match
Tijuana will now play Santos Laguna on October 25th, while Atlas' next big match is against Chivas on October 10th. Jornada 11 will feature even bigger matches.
