Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Liga MX Apertura match.
The second round of the Liga MX Apertura sees Club América, runners-up in the Clausura 2024/25 final, take on Club Tijuana, who failed to make the playoffs last time out. Club América will be looking to make up ground early in the campaign.
Club América
Club América made a stuttering start to the new season, drawing against FC Juárez in their opening fixture. That match, played away in Chihuahua, saw the squad struggle to impose themselves. Their problems were compounded when central midfielder Érick Sánchez, recently appointed captain, was shown a straight red card in the 70th minute. Club América were unable to hold on to their slim lead and ultimately dropped points. In addition, the team failed to convert two clear-cut chances. Such early-season slip-ups are not uncommon, even for the favourites.
Club Tijuana
Club Tijuana are not among the top contenders in Liga MX, but they started the Apertura on a positive note. In their first home fixture, they faced Querétaro FC, who spent most of last season near the bottom of the standings. The persistence of Club Tijuana paid off when a visiting defender scored an own goal in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, securing a narrow win.
Club América vs Club Tijuana Prediction
Club América rarely drop points at Estadio Azteca. Since the start of 2025, they have suffered only one defeat in 14 home matches, winning eight. One of the draws came against Club Tijuana (1:1). The absence of a key figure in midfield will impact both their attacking build-up and defensive structure. Therefore, we are backing the visitors with a positive handicap. Even if Club Tijuana lose, it is likely to be by a narrow margin.
