Pachuca made their Liga MX Clausura 2025 debut with a convincing 2-1 victory over Santos Laguna at Estadio Hidalgo, showcasing both determination and offensive prowess during the match held on January 20, 2025.
From the outset, the match proved pivotal for both teams. With Pachuca eager to kick off their season on the right note, and Santos desperate to shake off the woes of previous losses, the stakes were high as the teams met on the pitch.
It didn't take long for Pachuca to assert their dominance. Just thirty minutes in, Alán Bautista executed a well-crafted play off a corner kick, paving the way for the first goal of the night. His powerful shot escaped the grasp of Santos' goalkeeper, Carlos Acevedo, thanks to a deflection off Tahiel Jiménez, who unfortunately channeled it past his own keeper for the 1-0 lead.
Fans erupted as Pachuca doubled their lead just before the half-time whistle. Emilio Rodríguez showcased his skill, driving dynamically through the Santos defense and firing from the right. Acevedo couldn’t intercept Rodríguez’s well-placed shot, resulting in another goal at the 47-minute mark, sending the home crowd wild with excitement.
Despite the growing gap, Santos was determined to fight back. Just before the end of the first half, they faced another calamity when Cristian Dájome received a red card following his reckless challenge, leaving his team down to ten men for the remainder of the match.
Following the interval, Santos rallied and began to create more chances, hoping to capitalize on Pachuca’s lapse following their second goal. Execution came when José Juan Macías netted the team’s only goal of the match through the penalty spot at the 89th minute. His calm finish brought some hope, though it proved too late to alter the eventual outcome.
With this win, Pachuca climbed to the fifth position on the Liga MX table, amassing their first three points of the season. Meanwhile, Santos remained at the bottom, grappling with yet another defeat following their earlier loss to Chivas.
Looking forward, Pachuca will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Monterrey next week, whereas Santos will need to reassess their strategy to find their footing against Club América.
Coach Guillermo Almada praised his team for their performance, underlining the growth and potential they displayed against Santos. "Pachuca sumó su primer triunfo y escala a la quinta posición de la tabla general," encapsulating the victory's importance.
Fans of Liga MX can expect both teams to sharpen their focus and strategies as they continue battling for points and pride. Every match brings new challenges, and both Pachuca and Santos will seek to reclaim their standings as the season progresses.