Santos Laguna is ramping up preparations for a important Matchday 7 clash in the Apertura 2026 against Cruz Azul. The team is training under head coach Renato Paiva at the Santos Modelo Territory headquarters, as reported by the club's official outlet, clubsantos.mx, this Thursday.
The match is set for Sunday at 8:00 PM at Banorte Stadium. Santos Laguna enters this fixture following a 0-0 draw with Tigres UANL last August 30th, a result that left a bittersweet taste but secured a valuable point. Their league situation is difficult, with the team sitting 17th in the Liga MX table with just one point from six games, having recorded zero wins, one draw, and five losses. Their goal difference stands at -7, with four scored and eleven conceded, placing them 15 points behind leaders Club America. You can follow the tournament's progress on our standings page.
What does Santos Laguna's training plan involve?
This week's routine includes morning sessions from Thursday through Saturday at their training ground. The workouts range from activation exercises and technical-tactical drills to collective performance activities. An encouraging note is the full integration of forward Esteban Lozano into training with his new teammates. On Saturday afternoon, the squad will travel to Mexico City to face a team currently tenth in the table.
Argentine defender Franco Pardo reflected on the team's current moment. "After the match against Tigres, we were left with a bitter taste because we felt we could have won, but it was a very important point for us," the player said. Pardo highlighted the competitiveness of Liga MX and his adaptation to help the collective. His performance and that of his teammates will be key to reversing a recent run of five matches without a win, featuring two draws and three losses.
What did Franco Pardo say about facing Cruz Azul?
The center-back expressed conviction in the coaching staff's ideas and anticipated a significant challenge. "Sunday will be a very important match for us because we are returning to a great stadium (Banorte) to face a great team," stated Pardo. The player acknowledged that details have cost them dearly both in defense and attack but assured that the group remains convinced they can improve. His task will be to add solidity to a defense that has been breached frequently in this tournament start.
What is Santos Laguna's context in the Apertura 2026?
The numbers don't lie and paint an urgent picture for Paiva's squad. With only one point in hand, every match becomes a final to climb the table. The attack needs to find more effectiveness, while the defensive block must work on concentration to reduce mistakes. The roster has the quality to make a statement, and this duel against a direct rival in the middle of the standings is the perfect opportunity. Detailed individual performance data is available in our stats section.
The match against Cruz Azul represents an immediate chance to change the dynamic. All the week's work at the Santos Modelo Territory will be put to the test on Sunday, September 7th at 8:00 PM in Mexico City. The lineup sought by coach Renato Paiva for this clash can be followed in our squad section.
