Xolos held to 1-1 draw by Mazatlán amid growing pressure

A promising start for Tijuana

Tijuana, B.C., February 21 — Xolos hosted Mazatlán in a crucial match for a team that has managed just one win all tournament.

From the opening minutes, the home side took control, and in the 9th minut,e Kevin Castañeda scored to give the border club an early advantage.

Controversy and disallowed goals

The match turned tense in the 15th minute after a heavy clash of heads that affected the rhythm of the game.

Later, in the 22nd and 27th minutes, two Xolos goals were disallowed, sparking heated reactions on social media and frustration among the home crowd, as both decisions could have extended Tijuana’s lead.

Despite dominating possession and limiting Mazatlán’s response, Xolos went into halftime with only a narrow 1-0 lead.

Mazatlán finds the equalizer

The second half brought a shift in momentum, and in the 59th minute, Mazatlán equalized, making it 1-1.

After the goal, the match lacked clarity, and neither team managed to find a winning strike.

A tense ending at the Caliente

The closing moments drew attention for the wrong reasons. The homophobic chant was heard inside Estadio Caliente, triggering the league’s protocol.

Boos echoed at the final whistle, highlighting the growing frustration among supporters. Since Sebastián “Loco” Abreu took charge, it has been rare to see such visible dissatisfaction with the team’s performance.

While Xolos have only lost once this tournament, the main concern among fans is the lack of an attractive or effective playing style. The debate resurfaces: Is it more important to play well or simply collect points?

The controversy also intensified due to Abreu’s earlier comments after the loss to Toluca when he said, “If we are in crisis, what does that leave Mazatlán?” Now, that same Mazatlán managed to secure a draw in Tijuana, which is no easy task.

Contrasting realities at the border

Interestingly, while Xolos were drawing at home, across the border, San Diego FC was defeating Montreal 5-0 in its MLS debut, showcasing very different sporting realities between the two cities.

What’s next for Xolos

Tijuana’s next match will be on Friday, February 27, against Pumas. It will be another opportunity to secure three points and ease the growing pressure at home.