Santos Laguna and Atlas are set to clash on February 23, 2025, at the Estadio Corona, marking one of the most significant matchups of the Liga MX Clausura 2025. Both teams are desperate for points, fighting to escape the lower tiers of the standings.
The host team, Santos Laguna, enters the match under dire circumstances. With only one point accumulated over eight matches, they are currently sitting at the bottom of the league table, having suffered yet another defeat, this time by 1-0 against Cruz Azul. "La Crisis de Santos es crítica”, remarked their manager Fernando Ortiz, highlighting the urgent need for his team to secure their first victory of the season.
On the other side, Atlas is also reeling from their recent 4-0 loss to Necaxa, placing them 15th with just seven points from their eight appearances. Manager Gonzalo Pineda has also faced scrutiny after this heavy defeat, and his position could be at stake if results don’t improve. Both teams know the significance of this encounter, not just for points but to potentially avoid changes at the coaching level.
Fans will witness this pivotal match on Sunday at 5:00 PM local time, where Santos aims to redeem themselves at home. Unfortunately for those who cannot attend, the match will not be aired on open television. Instead, viewers must turn to ViX Premium, available exclusively on platforms like Amazon Prime Video to catch the action live.
Historically, matches between these two rivals have been closely contested. Of their last five encounters, the statistics show Atlas holds the upper hand with two wins to Santos' one. Notably, Atlas has gone 282 minutes without scoring against Santos, adding another layer of tension to this forthcoming battle.
Recent statistics paint the picture of two struggling squads. Santos has failed to win any of their matches this season - with seven losses and just one draw to show for their efforts. Comparatively, Atlas's season includes one win, four draws, and three losses, showing similar struggles. "Las estadísticas son alarmantes", commented Ortiz, emphasizing the necessary changes to reclaim form.
Fans are restless and former players have been vocal about the deteriorated situation both teams find themselves in. "El futuro es incierto para ambos”, suggested analyst Juan Pérez, stressing the feeling of crisis engulfing both clubs. Santos’ home advantage might play a key role, as they aim to turn the tide after dismal performances on their turf this season.
Looking at line-ups, Santos might depend heavily on players like goalkeeper Acevedo and defender Santamaría to keep Atlas at bay, whereas Atlas will look to their star players such as Camilo and Aguirre to guide them to victory.
The rivalry between the Guerreros and the Rojinegros due to the ‘Clásico de Grupo Orlegi’ label has made these encounters even more electrifying. Neither side wants to be associated with the negative stigma of being at the bottom of the marathon Liga MX saga. The impending matchup not only focuses on points but carries ramifications for both managerial reigns.
Up next, Santos Laguna will face Monterrey on March 2 at 8:05 PM, and Atlas will battle Atlético de San Luis on March 3 at 6 PM. These matches will undoubtedly be influenced by the outcome of the game this Sunday.
Match records between Santos Laguna and Atlas show Santos with 27 victories against Atlas’ 17. This stat gives Santos fans something to cling to; hoping their team can break the streak of gloom with history on their side.
Santos will need to play with conviction and energy as they have shown glimpses of improvement under Ortiz. Their form still needs work, but pressure can create diamonds—let's hope for Santos, this will be their turning point!
Atlas, equally eager to avoid another humiliatory loss, will try to implement strategies to bypass Santos' defense effectively. This match might be just the right spark needed for either of these teams to ignite their season.
Stay tuned—Sunday's match is set to be one for the ages, as Santos Laguna takes on Atlas. The stakes could not be higher, with passion, urgency, and resilience on both sides—a true display of what Liga MX football embodies.