Santos Laguna suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Monterrey on Matchday 1 of the Apertura 2026 Liga MX. The Warriors battled hard late but now sit on zero points after a tough start to the tournament. Full details from Estadio BBVA here.
What happened in the game?
Monterrey dominated early, with Lucas Ocampos netting twice inside the opening 20 minutes to make it 2-0. Santos Laguna fought back in the second half, but it wasn’t until the 87th minute when Eduardo Aguirre pulled one back from a corner, making it 3-2. The Warriors pushed hard until the final whistle, with Diego Medina and Felipe Sánchez coming close, but Monterrey held firm to claim all three points.
The visitors left victorious despite late pressure from Santos Laguna, who managed just two goals to Monterrey’s three. The final score stood at 3-2, with Monterrey taking the spoils in Torreón.
Why this loss matters for Santos Laguna
The defeat leaves Santos Laguna 11th in the Apertura 2026 standings, six points adrift of league leaders Cruz Azul. With two goals scored and three conceded, the Warriors have started poorly, losing their first two games and failing to pick up any points. Their late fightback showed spirit, but defensive frailties and lapses in key moments cost them dearly.
Renato Paiva’s side now faces a double challenge: tighten up at the back and rediscover their rhythm before the next match. The fans expected better, but the early season demands quick fixes.
What’s next for Santos Laguna?
Santos Laguna returns to action next Saturday, July 26, 2026, hosting Atlas in Matchday 2 of the Apertura 2026. Currently fifth in the table, the Warriors must bounce back at home after a shaky start. The game takes place at Estadio Corona, where Santos will need more cutting edge up front and defensive solidity.
The Torreón faithful are already looking ahead, demanding immediate improvements. With just two goals scored and three conceded so far, the team must find a way to add points fast to avoid slipping further back. The next fixture is pivotal in shaping their tournament path.
League standing: 11th in Liga MX, 0 pts, 0W-0D-1L from 1 games, recent form L. Goals this season: 2 scored, 3 conceded (-1 goal difference). Title race: 6 points behind leaders Cruz Azul. Last result: Monterrey 3-2 Santos Laguna (2026-07-19).
