Tijuana came into the match already having been eliminated from Liguilla play. Monarcas Morelia on the other hand are very much alive in the Liguilla hunt, and strengthened their case for the postseason with a gritty 3-2 win over Xolos at Estadio Caliente.
Xolos started the match with an odd lineup. Antonio Nava was given the start at right back, and Miller Bolaños was left out of the squad entirely. Starting up top for Xolos was Fabián Castillo and Eryc Castillo, both of whom are more accustomed to playing wide on the wing. Monarcas on the other hand started a predictable yet strong lineup of their regular players minus Gabriel Achilier.