On March 9, 2025, Santos Laguna caused quite the upset by defeating League MX leaders León 2-1 at the Estadio TSM Corona, marking the end of León's undefeated record this season.
Despite being the bottom-dwelling team with only four points accumulated through one win, one draw, and eight losses, Santos Laguna came out strong against León, fueled by the return of their passionate fans at home. The match was officiated by Guillermo Pacheco Ríos, who was supported by his assistant referees Enrique Isaac Bustos and Jessica Fernanda Morales.
León entered the match brimming with confidence, sitting atop the table with 26 points, having not lost any matches this season. The team, renowned for its impressive form, was expected to manage the game comfortably against Santos but faced challenges early on as Santos pressed forward.
Initially, both teams failed to find the back of the net during the first half, which ended goalless. The local team had several clear chances; notable attempts came from Bruno Barticciotto, whose shot hit the woodwork, demonstrating Santos Laguna's fighting spirit.
The match took a pivotal turn at the 61st minute when León's Adonis Frías received his second yellow card for a handball, leaving León with ten players. This gave Santos the opportunity they needed to mount more pressure.
Minutes after Frías’ expulsion, León managed to take the lead with Stiven Mendoza scoring at the 69th minute after receiving a well-placed pass from Rodrigo Echeverría. The visitors celebrated their hard-fought goal, only to have Santos respond quickly. Just under ten minutes later, Ramiro Sordo netted the equalizer for Santos Laguna at the 75th minute. The goal was initially reviewed by VAR for offside but was confirmed, igniting the home crowd at the TSM Corona.
With the game now tied, Santos Laguna refused to back down. They showed resilience and determination as they sought the winning goal. Their persistence paid off when Anderson Santamaría headed home the decisive goal during injury time, sealing the victory for Santos at 2-1. The goal came from a set piece, showcasing Santos' tactical prowess and their ability to capitalize on their opponent's weaknesses.
Despite the setback, León remained the league's leader, but the loss was significant as it challenged their dominance. The match resulted in several yellow cards being issued, including to Rodríguez and Echeverría from León, as well as multiple cautions for Santos players, demonstrating the physical nature of the match.
Santos’ season has been tumultuous, but this victory may serve as momentum for the team to regain confidence moving forward. Following this match, Santos Laguna stands at 18th place, and the win could signify the start of their climb out of the cellar.
For León, this defeat served as a wake-up call. Their coach, Eduardo Berizzo, now faces the task of regaining focus and ensuring his players rebound swiftly. The star players, particularly Rodríguez, who has been influential with 21 assists this season, offered glimpses of brilliance but finished without points this match.
The fans of León have rallied behind their team, and anticipation builds as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures. The loss to Santos will undoubtedly serve as impetus for León to refocus and secure their position at the top of the table as they look to defend their strong start this season.
Umidably, both teams' performances will shape their narratives as the Liga MX season progresses. For Santos Laguna, it was a necessary win to stoke hope for the future, and for León, it was simply one of those days when the beautiful game turned unforgiving.