Liga de Expansión MX Showdown: Tepatitlan Hosts Tapatio in Early Season Battle for Advantage
On January 24, 2026, Tepatitlan FC will host CD Tapatio in a highly anticipated Liga de Expansión MX Clausura fixture. Both teams currently sit tied on points, occupying third and fourth place respectively, making this match crucial for early season positioning. Tepatitlan faces the challenge of significant key player injuries, while Tapatio aims to maintain their solid start to the campaign.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Liga de Expansión MX Clausura Matchday 3 fixture holds significant importance for both Tepatitlan FC and CD Tapatio. Both teams have started the season strongly, currently tied on 4 points in the league table, with Tepatitlan sitting in fourth place and Tapatio in third due to a superior goal difference. The outcome of this match will directly impact their early season standings, with the winner having the opportunity to solidify a position at the top of the table and set a positive tone for the remainder of the campaign.
Recent Form
Tepatitlan's recent form in their last five official matches has been mixed. In the opening two games of the 2026 Clausura, they drew 1-1 against Atlante and then secured a 1-0 victory over Tampico Madero. Looking back at the Apertura 2025 playoffs, they suffered two consecutive 0-1 defeats against Tampico Madero, preceded by a 1-1 draw against Atlante. Overall, Tepatitlan's last five official matches show a record of 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses.
CD Tapatio has also shown competitive form in their last five official matches. They had a strong start to the 2026 Clausura, drawing 2-2 with Atlético La Paz before securing a convincing 4-2 win against Venados. In their final Apertura 2025 matches, they defeated Dorados 4-1, but then lost 1-2 to Irapuato and 2-3 to Zacatecas. Tapatio's recent five-match record stands at 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, highlighting their offensive capabilities.
Key Players & Injury News
For Tepatitlan, key offensive threats include Leonardo Sámano, who leads the team in scoring with 6 goals, and Diego Aguilar, with 4 goals. However, the team is currently grappling with significant injuries. Jesús Venegas is sidelined with a knee injury, Ulises Cardona is out due to a broken foot, and Idekel Domínguez is also unavailable with a knee injury. These absences will undoubtedly pose a challenge to Tepatitlan's lineup and match strategy.
For CD Tapatio, forwards Vladimir Moragrega and Sergio Aguayo were key offensive players, each scoring 8 goals in the 2025 Apertura. As of now, Tapatio has reported no new significant injuries or suspensions, suggesting they will be at full strength for this crucial encounter. Their squad depth and stability could be a decisive advantage in this match.