Torreón, Mexico – Two of Liga MX’s struggling sides, Santos Laguna and Mazatlán FC, face off this evening at Estadio Corona in a crucial match for both clubs. Both teams discover themselves at the bottom of the Clausura 2026 standings, making this contest a pivotal “basement battle” with implications for their playoff hopes. The match is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM local time, with Luis Alfredo García Rodríguez officiating.
Santos Laguna enters the match with a single point from five games, secured through a 2-2 draw against Bravos de Juárez. Their defensive record is particularly concerning, having conceded 17 goals – the most in the league – while only managing to score five. A recent 5-1 defeat against Tigres UANL highlighted their vulnerabilities. Mazatlán FC, meanwhile, remains winless, sitting at the foot of the table with zero points and a goal difference of -12, having conceded 12 goals and scored only four.
The pressure is mounting on both teams to turn their seasons around. Mazatlán recently appointed Sergio Bueno as their new manager, hoping a change in leadership will spark improvement. Historically, Mazatlán has struggled at Estadio Corona, managing only one draw in six visits since relocating from Morelia, Michoacán in 2020, with five losses. The teams previously met during the pre-season in December, playing to a 1-1 draw in a match consisting of two 45-minute halves.
This match represents a critical opportunity for both Santos Laguna and Mazatlán FC to climb off the bottom of the Liga MX Clausura table. A win for either side would provide a much-needed boost in morale and momentum, while a loss could further deepen their struggles.
Lineups and Key Players
Santos Laguna is expected to field a squad featuring Carlos Acevedo in goal, with key players like Fran Villalba and Lucas Di Yorio leading the attack. Villalba currently leads Santos Laguna with two goals scored this season, while Acevedo has made 20 saves. Mazatlán FC will look to Facundo Almada, also with two goals, to provide a spark in attack. Ricardo Rodríguez is expected to start in goal for Mazatlán, having recorded 21 saves so far this season.
According to FotMob, the projected starting lineups are as follows:
Santos Laguna: Acevedo, Abella, Balanta, Ortega, Dajome, Gruezo, Villalba, Palacios, Bullaude, Di Yorio, Rubio.
Mazatlán FC: Rodríguez, Echeverria, Sanchez, Amione, Lopez, Guemez, Medina, Mariscal, Ocejo, Jimenez, Moreno.
Recent Form and Statistical Overview
Santos Laguna’s recent form has been dismal, with losses to Tigres UANL (5-1), Pumas (4-0), and Toluca (3-1), interspersed with a 2-2 draw against Juárez. Mazatlán FC has also been struggling, suffering defeats to Chivas (1-2), Monterrey (1-5), Puebla (2-1), and Juárez (1-2). AS.com reports that Santos Laguna commits an average of 15.8 fouls per game, while Mazatlán commits 12.4. Santos Laguna also allows an average of 17.6 shots per game, compared to Mazatlán’s 15.6.
The statistical disparity highlights the challenges facing both teams. Santos Laguna’s leaky defense and Mazatlán’s inability to find the back of the net are major concerns that need to be addressed. The match promises to be a physical encounter, with both teams likely to battle hard for every possession.
Pre-Season Encounter
The two teams met during pre-season in December, resulting in a 1-1 draw. During that match, Santos Laguna started with Acevedo, Picón, Ortega, Balanta, Amione, Güémez, López, Dájome, Palacios, Villalba, and Ocejo. Mazatlán opened with a lineup that saw Omar Moreno score in the 35th minute, before Emmanuel Echeverría equalized for Santos Laguna in the 38th minute.
As both Santos Laguna and Mazatlán FC desperately seek to escape the bottom of the Liga MX Clausura standings, tonight’s match at Estadio Corona is set to be a fiercely contested affair. The outcome will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the remainder of their seasons. Fans can follow the live action and stay updated on the latest scores, and developments.
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