Tijuana vs. Atlas: Apertura MX 2024 Play-In Preview

Mexican soccer is on the verge of kicking off the Playoffs, with only one spot left to be decided in the Playoffs following Club América’s qualification. This final berth will be contested between Tijuana and Atlas, who recently eliminated Chivas.

Tijuana came within minutes of securing their spot but conceded a late equalizer to Club América, finishing 2-2 in regulation. The match went to penalties, where Tijuana fell 3-2.

Meanwhile, Atlas had an epic moment against Chivas, turning the game around in the final minutes to claim a 2-1 victory as visitors. An own goal by José Castillo and a penalty converted by Aldo Rocha sealed their spot in the derby.

Tijuana vs. Atlas Betting Odds and Info

Why bet on Tijuana?

Tijuana had a golden opportunity to eliminate a giant like Club América and secure a direct spot in the Playoffs, but the pressure got to them, and now they face a do-or-die match against Atlas.

At home, Xolos was leading 2-1 until the 90th minute, with goals from Unai Bilbao and Raúl Zúñiga. However, in added time, Brian Rodríguez equalized to make it 2-2.

In the penalty shootout, they struggled and missed three attempts. Christian Rivera, Emmanuel Reynoso, and Aarón Mejía all failed to convert.

This defeat could be a significant blow to the team’s confidence, especially since Tijuana was the strongest performer among the four teams that reached the Play-In.

It’s worth noting that they finished seventh in the regular season with 29 points, just one shy of qualifying directly for the Playoffs. Their record included eight wins, five draws, and four losses.

However, their main weakness was their defense. Tijuana conceded 25 goals, the worst among all qualified teams.

Midfielder Christian Rivera and forward Raúl Zúñiga are their top scorers this semester, each with five goals. Efraín Álvarez follows with three.

As of now, head coach Juan Carlos Osorio’s team reports only one injury: midfielder Fernando Madrigal.

Why bet on Atlas?

Few expected Atlas to make it to the second Play-In match, given how they qualified, but now they have a chance to reach the Playoffs and become a tough obstacle for any opponent.

The Zorros come off an epic comeback in the Tapatío Derby against Chivas, winning 2-1. Víctor Guzmán scored for the Rebaño in the 59th minute, but an own goal by José Castillo in the 85th tied the game.

Then, in added time, Aldo Rocha sealed the victory for Atlas with a penalty, securing a crucial 2-1 win on the road to achieve their first objective in the final phase.

During the regular season, Atlas earned just 22 points, finishing in 10th place, the worst record among all the qualified teams. They also conceded 23 goals, making them the second-worst defense in the Liga MX.

It’s worth noting that before their victory over Chivas, Atlas had gone six games without a win, drawing five of them.

Eduardo Aguirre leads the team this semester with just four goals, followed by Jeremy Márquez with three.

The only confirmed absence is Gilberto Sepúlveda, while Rivaldo Lozano is expected to be available.

Final Betting Analysis: Tijuana vs. Atlas

These two teams faced each other earlier this Apertura MX 2024 and played to a 0-0 draw. Interestingly, they also drew with the same scoreline in their matchup last semester.

The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have Tijuana as the favorite. Their Moneyline shows 2.16, Atlas has 3.48, and the draw is at 3.4.

Tijuana might enter as the favorite, given their better performance throughout the semester. However, the Guadalajara-based team is riding high after their epic comeback, and their confidence could propel them to the next phase of Liga MX. Go for a 0-1.

Go for a win for Atlas. If you bet $100 at 3.48, you will gain $248 for a total payout of $348.

Tijuana vs. Atlas Betting Pick: Atlas