Santos Laguna found itself at the heart of the Apertura 2026 controversy when former Mexican referee Fernando “El Cantante” Guerrero claimed the first Rayados goal should be annulled. The incident, occurring in the 20th minute, puts the club’s standing under pressure: Santos sits 18th in Liga MX with 12 points, 3W‑3D‑11L and a recent form of WLLLD.
What happened in the goal play?
Guerrero says Rayados striker Diego Rossi committed a foul on Argentine defender Franco Pardo inside Santos Laguna’s penalty area. The foul allegedly stopped Pardo from contesting the ball, yet the referee did not blow. After the clash, Lucas Ocampos shot left‑handed to open the scoring, with official assistance credited to Rossi. Guerrero argues the infraction should have been punished because the same player who fouled participated in the final play.
Why does this matter for Santos Laguna?
Canceling the goal would alter the match result, affecting Santos’ goal difference of 20 scored and 38 conceded (‑18). The loss also keeps the club 24 points behind leaders U.N.A.M. - Pumas and just one point behind their next direct rival, Monterrey, who visits the team on 2026-07-19 while sitting 13th.
What did the ex‑referee say about Rossi’s responsibility?
Guerrero emphasizes the foul should have been sanctioned because Rossi, who supplied the pass to Ocampos, was the offender. “Falta en el app y del jugador que da el pase para gol,” the former official stated, pointing to Rossi’s action on Pardo as the direct cause of the refereeing error.
What’s next for Santos Laguna?
The club must focus on its upcoming away fixture against Monterrey, aiming to climb the table. With the controversy still open, Santos’ management may request an official review, though current regulations limit post‑match interventions. Meanwhile, fans hope the dispute does not distract the team in its battle to escape the relegation zone.
Overall, Guerrero’s accusation adds tension to Santos Laguna’s season, which urgently needs points to move away from the bottom of the standings and improve its goal difference.
