Santos Laguna's Liga MX match against América on August 2, 2026, descended into chaos when referee Víctor Alfonso Cáceres Hernández awarded and then rescinded a penalty in a matter of seconds. The incident, which occurred at the 24-minute mark, saw Santos striker Franco Pardo go down under a challenge from América goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota, sparking a lengthy VAR review that left players and fans bewildered. League standing: 17th in Liga MX, 0 pts, 0W-0D-3L from 3 games, recent form LLL.
What happened?
The drama began when Cota rushed out to contest a loose ball in his own area, colliding with Pardo. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, only to reverse his decision after consulting the VAR, citing an offside in the buildup. However, the VAR then instructed Cáceres to review the play again, this time determining that Cota had made contact with the ball before the collision, leading to the penalty being rescinded for a second time.
Why it matters for Santos Laguna
The incident came at a critical moment for Santos, who are struggling at the bottom of the Liga MX table with no points from their first three games. Goals this season: 2 scored, 7 conceded (-5 goal difference). A penalty could have been a turning point in a match they ultimately lost 3-0, extending their losing streak to five games (recent form: 0W-0D-5L). The confusion over the call only added to their frustration.
What comes next?
Santos will look to bounce back when they host Guadalajara Chivas on August 17, 2026. With 7 points separating them from league leaders América, they need a win to avoid falling further behind. The team’s defensive struggles will be a key focus, especially after conceding seven goals in three matches.
Reactions from the stands
Fans and pundits took to social media to express their confusion over the VAR decision. 'El Cantante Guerrero,' a well-known football commentator, criticized the VAR’s handling of the situation, arguing that the initial penalty call was correct and that the intervention was unnecessary. 'The VAR should only confirm the referee’s decision if there’s clear evidence of an error,' he wrote on X.
