Club Tijuana does not need to prioritize anymore. With their official elimination from Liga MX playoffs with one game to go, the Copa Libertadores is the only competition in which they are still alive. The round of 16 single elimination portion of the tournament will kick off for the Xolos this coming Tuesday.
The match between the Xoloitzcuitles and Palmeiras of Brazil is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 PM local time from the Eatadio Caliente in Tijuana.
Antonio Mohamed has rested and reserved his best players for this match. Last Saturday he sent out a completely alternative squad to San Luis.
The Xolos have a perfect record at home so far in the Copa Libertadores, winning all three matches played so far at the Estadio Caliente. Mohamed will be looking to make the most of the home field advantage and travel to Brazil with a lead to protect.
More to the Xolos home field advantage; the now second division Brazilian team lost all three games in the group stage that it played away from home, they didn't score a single goal on the road.
Antonio Mohamed is expected send out his strongest lineup with Cirilo Saucedo, Juan Carlos Nuñez, Javier Gandolfi, Pablo Aguilar, Edgar Castillo, Cristian Pellerano, Fernando Arce, Joe Corona, Duvier Riascos, Fidel Martinez, and a center striker. This position would normally belong to Alfredo Moreno, but due to injury his place could be taken by either Raul Enriquez or Danny Marquez.
A win at home will be very important for the still Mexican league champions. In spite of their troubles on the road, Palemiras also won all of their home matches where they grow in strength.
The return leg is scheduled for Thursday May 16 in Brazil.
This is exactly what Club Tijuana has been saving themselves for, it is now show time.
jonny.rico@sandiegored.com
