On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Atlético de San Luis secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Mazatlán in a match that showcased both teams' determination to climb the Liga MX standings. The game, held at the Estadio Alfonso Lastras Ramírez, was a pivotal moment for the Potosinos, who are fighting to qualify for the Play-In round of the tournament.
San Luis entered this match looking to build on their recent success, having defeated Santos Laguna 3-2 in their last outing. With this win, they aimed to continue their upward trajectory after a rocky start to the season. The team, led by coach Domènec Torrent, had previously struggled, sitting in 15th place with just 12 points before the match against Mazatlán.
The excitement began early in the game when Rodrigo Dourado scored the opening goal for Atlético de San Luis in the 18th minute. Dourado connected with a perfectly placed cross from Sébastien Salles-Lamonge, heading the ball past Mazatlán's goalkeeper Hugo González. This goal set the tone for a competitive match, as the home crowd erupted in celebration.
However, Mazatlán responded quickly, leveling the score just 11 minutes later. Nicolás Benedetti, known for his speed and skill, found the back of the net in the 29th minute. After weaving through defenders, Benedetti struck a powerful right-footed shot that beat San Luis goalkeeper Andrés Sánchez, bringing the score to 1-1 and reigniting the hopes of the visiting team.
Despite the setback, Atlético de San Luis maintained their composure and regained the lead shortly after. In the 36th minute, a controversial penalty was awarded to San Luis after Diego Abitia was fouled in the box. Salles-Lamonge stepped up to take the penalty kick and successfully converted it, placing the ball low and to the left of González, who was unable to make the save. This goal not only restored San Luis's lead but also underscored Salles-Lamonge's vital role in the match, as he had already provided an assist for the opening goal.
The first half concluded with Atlético de San Luis leading 2-1, a score that reflected their determination and tactical execution. As the game progressed into the second half, both teams struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. The defensive efforts from both sides intensified, and the match became a battle of attrition.
Throughout the second half, San Luis was tested by a resilient Mazatlán squad that sought to equalize. However, the home team’s defense held firm, successfully repelling several attempts from Mazatlán, including a near-miss when Luis Amarilla hit the post with a shot in the 76th minute. The tension in the stadium was palpable as both teams fought for control, but neither could find the back of the net again.
As the match drew to a close, the referee signaled for five minutes of stoppage time, adding to the drama. San Luis made tactical substitutions to maintain their lead, bringing on fresh legs to bolster their defense. The final whistle blew, confirming a hard-fought victory for Atlético de San Luis, who climbed to 13th place in the general table, now just two points away from the Play-In spots.
After the match, coach Domènec Torrent expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We showed great character today. The players executed our game plan well, and it's important for us to keep building on this momentum as we push for a playoff spot." The victory also highlighted the growing chemistry within the squad, particularly between Salles-Lamonge and Dourado, who have become key figures in San Luis's recent resurgence.
Looking ahead, Atlético de San Luis will face Tijuana on April 10, followed by matches against Toluca and Pachuca, where they will aim to continue their climb up the standings. Meanwhile, Mazatlán, who also harbored hopes of reaching the Play-In, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming match against Chivas on April 11.
This match not only provided valuable points for San Luis but also showcased the fierce competition in Liga MX, where every point counts as teams vie for playoff positions. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as clubs fight for their place in the postseason.
