Santos Laguna faces Cruz Azul this Sunday at the Estadio Banorte, a match marking the reunion of both teams five years after their last final. The clash, originally reported by Record MX, comes at a time when the performance gap between the clubs is vast, with the Cementeros as reigning champions and the Warriors struggling at the bottom of the table. In fact, Santos Laguna currently sits 17th in the Liga MX standings, with just one point from six games and a string of negative results.
How is Santos Laguna arriving at the classic?
The situation for Santos Laguna is delicate. The team has only one point in the Apertura 2026 season, coming from a goalless draw against Tigres UANL on August 30. Their recent form over the last five outings is one win, one draw, and three losses. In attack and defense, the numbers are concerning: only four goals scored and eleven conceded, for a -7 goal difference. This start leaves them 15 points behind the leaders, Club América, a significant gap after just six matchdays.
What does the recent historical comparison show?
From the Clausura 2024 through matchday six of Apertura 2026, the distance between Cruz Azul and Santos has become enormous. The Torreón side has gathered just 65 points in that span, with a record of 17 wins, 14 draws, and 60 losses. In stark contrast, Cruz Azul has accumulated 185 points, from 54 wins, 23 draws, and 14 defeats. That 120-point difference illustrates the opposite trajectories both institutions have followed since their last decisive meeting. Cruz Azul has also reached five consecutive league semifinals and added two more titles since 2021, raising their trophy count to ten championships.
What is Santos looking for in this match?
For the Warriors, this match represents the chance to take the first step toward becoming competitive again. Their last final appearance was in the Apertura 2023, and since the 2021 final against the same Cruz Azul, they have qualified for four playoffs. However, the present demands an immediate reaction. The coaching staff and squad are seeking a result that can serve as a turning point in a campaign that has started on the wrong foot. Fans can check the full schedule and the team's progress on our fixtures and standings pages.
What's next for the team after Sunday?
Regardless of the result against Cruz Azul, Santos Laguna's schedule does not stop. Their next official commitment will be a visit to the Estadio Nemesio Díez to face Toluca on September 21. The Diablos, currently fifth in the table, represent another complex challenge in the search for points. Preparation for that match will begin immediately, with a focus also on improving individual and collective numbers that can be reviewed in our stats section. The match at the Azteca, after five years, is just the beginning of a decisive week.
