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07 April 2025

Toluca Aims For Playoff Spot Against Struggling Santos Laguna

Toluca seeks to maintain momentum while Santos fights to avoid the bottom of the standings

This Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Liga MX Clausura 2025 is set to close its 14th round with an exciting clash between Toluca and Santos Laguna at the Estadio Nemesio Díez. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Diablos Rojos look to solidify their position in the playoff race against a struggling Santos side.

Currently, Toluca sits in third place on the league table with 27 points, having achieved eight wins, three draws, and only two losses this season. Their recent form has been impressive, highlighted by a narrow 3-2 victory against Pachuca last weekend, where Alexis Vega scored a stunning goal that has been hailed as one of the best of the season. Fans are eager to see if the team can replicate such a performance against Santos, who are in dire need of points.

In stark contrast, Santos Laguna finds itself at the bottom of the standings, occupying the 18th position with a mere 7 points from two wins, one draw, and ten losses. Their last outing resulted in a disappointing 3-2 loss to Atlético de San Luis, further compounding their struggles this season. The team, coached by Fernando Ortiz, is desperate to avoid finishing last and will be looking for any opportunity to turn their fortunes around.

The probable lineup for Toluca includes Pau López in goal, supported by a defensive line of Diego Barbosa, Luan García, Federico Pereira, and Jesús Gallardo. The midfield will feature Franco Romero, Marcel Ruiz, and Juan Pablo Domínguez, while Alexis Vega and Paulinho will lead the attack, with Jesús Angulo also in contention. Coach Antonio Mohamed will be counting on his players to deliver another strong performance.

On the other hand, Santos Laguna is expected to field Carlos Acevedo as their goalkeeper, with a defensive setup comprising Ismael Govea, Edson Gutiérrez, Jonathan Pérez, and Emmanuel Echeverría. The midfield will feature Aldo López and Pedro Aquino, while Ramiro Sordo, Bruno Barticciotto, Fran Villalba, and Cristian Dajome will aim to provide offensive support. The team is in urgent need of a cohesive strategy to escape their current slump.

The match kicks off at 18:00 hours (Central Mexico Time) and will be broadcast live on TUDN and Canal 5, with streaming available on ViX Premium. Fans across Mexico will be eager to tune in, hoping to witness a commanding performance from Toluca, while Santos supporters will be hoping for a miracle to lift their team from the depths of the standings.

As the Diablos Rojos aim for a strong finish to the regular season, they have their sights set on closing the gap with league leaders América, who currently have 30 points. With just three points separating them, a win today could significantly bolster their chances of securing a favorable position in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Santos Laguna's focus is on survival. With only a handful of matches left in the season, the team must find a way to score and tighten their defense to avoid finishing at the bottom. The pressure is mounting for Ortiz and his squad, who have struggled to find their rhythm throughout the tournament.

Historically, Toluca has had the upper hand in recent encounters, but Santos managed to pull off a surprising 2-0 victory in their last meeting. This adds an intriguing layer to the match as Toluca seeks revenge on their home turf.

As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the stakes. For Toluca, it’s about maintaining momentum and securing their playoff spot, while for Santos, it’s a last-ditch effort to salvage their season. With the fans backing them, the Diablos Rojos will be looking to defend their home ground fiercely.

In terms of betting odds, Toluca is heavily favored to win, with odds set at -715, while a draw is listed at +800 and a Santos victory at +1500. These numbers reflect the current form and standings of both teams, underscoring the importance of this match for both sides.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the anticipation builds. Will Toluca continue their chase for the top of the table, or can Santos pull off a much-needed upset? The answers will unfold this evening at the Estadio Nemesio Díez, where every moment counts as the Liga MX season approaches its climax.