Atlas vs Santos Laguna: Both Teams Seek First Liga MX Win
Introduction
As the 2024 Liga MX Apertura season unfolds, anticipation builds for the upcoming clash between Atlas and Santos Laguna. Both teams are eager to secure their first victory of the season, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter at Jalisco Stadium on Tuesday. With each side having drawn their opening matches, the stakes are high as they vie for an early-season boost in the standings.
Atlas, hailing from Guadalajara, couldn’t maintain their halftime lead against Tigres in their previous match, ultimately settling for a 1-1 draw. Similarly, Santos Laguna matched Pumas with the same scoreline, highlighting their resilience and determination. This showdown promises to be a captivating blend of strategy, skill, and ambition.
Current Standing and Performance of Atlas
Recent Form and Challenges
After two matchdays in the Apertura, Atlas finds themselves languishing in the lower half of the domestic table with a modest two points. Despite their struggles, it’s worth noting that Benat San Jose’s squad has managed to avoid defeat so far, albeit without securing a win. This trend of drawing matches when scoring first extends back to their previous Clausura campaign, indicating a need for greater consistency and finishing prowess.
Atlas’s home form has also been a point of concern. Of their last eight home encounters in Liga MX, only one has ended in victory—a comeback win against San Luis in April. While victories have been elusive, they have managed to avoid defeat in four of their last five domestic fixtures, demonstrating a capacity to grind out results even when under pressure.
Historical Performance Against Santos Laguna
The historical data offers a glimmer of hope for Atlas supporters. They are unbeaten in three consecutive Liga MX encounters against Santos Laguna and have not lost any of their last four home games against this opponent. These statistics suggest that Atlas might have a psychological edge heading into the match, bolstering their confidence as they seek to turn their season around.
Santos Laguna: A Resilient Contender
Overcoming a Tough Clausura Campaign
Santos Laguna’s journey in the 2024 Apertura has been marked by resilience and a determination to improve upon their last Clausura campaign. Despite ending the Clausura on a sour note, losing their final three matches by a combined margin of 7-0, they have shown defensive solidity in the Apertura, conceding just two goals so far.
Under the guidance of Ignacio Ambriz, Santos Laguna drew first blood over the weekend for the first time this season. However, their inability to secure a win after scoring first in three consecutive Liga MX matches remains a challenge that needs addressing.
Away Form and Historical Context
Santos Laguna’s away form has been underwhelming, with their last away victory dating back to March—a 1-0 win against Queretaro. Their historical performance against Atlas at Jalisco Stadium also leaves much to be desired, with their last away win against this opponent occurring in 2019. Despite these challenges, Santos Laguna has managed to secure points in three of their previous four meetings with Atlas, hinting at their capability to compete fiercely in this fixture.
Key Players and Team News
Atlas: Injury Concerns and Standout Performers
Atlas faced significant absences in their last match, with Brian Lozano sidelined due to knee surgery and Mauro Manotas recovering from an ACL injury. These injuries have undoubtedly affected their attacking options and overall team dynamics. However, Raymundo Fulgencio, currently on loan from Tigres, has stepped up admirably, scoring his first goal of the campaign on matchday two.
Santos Laguna: Suspension and Injuries
Santos Laguna will be without Anderson Santamaria, who received two cautions in their weekend fixture. Additionally, Pedro Aquino, Ronaldo Prieto, and Hugo Rodriguez are all out with knee injuries, further complicating their selection choices. Santiago Munoz, however, has been a bright spot, converting a 33rd-minute penalty on matchday two and being the sole goalscorer for his team so far this season.
Tactical Approaches and Predictions
Atlas’s Possible Starting Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Hernandez
- Defenders: Lozano, Nervo, Mora, Reyes
- Midfielders: Bass, Rocha
- Forwards: Murillo, Marquez, Fulgencio, E. Aguirre
Santos Laguna’s Possible Starting Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Acevedo
- Defenders: Govea, Nunez, Lorona, Echeverria
- Midfielders: Lopez, Mariscal
- Forwards: Medina, Carrillo, Macias, Munoz
Tactical Analysis
Atlas will likely focus on leveraging their home advantage and historical upper hand against Santos Laguna. Defensive solidity and quick transitions will be key, especially given their recent struggles to maintain leads. On the other hand, Santos Laguna will aim to exploit Atlas’s vulnerabilities, particularly through set-pieces and counter-attacks, given their current form and injury-induced absences.
FAQs
1. What time is the Atlas vs. Santos Laguna match?
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, with the kickoff time to be confirmed by the league.
2. Which stadium will host the game?
The game will be held at Jalisco Stadium, the home ground of Atlas.
3. Are there any major injuries affecting the teams?
Yes, Atlas will be without Brian Lozano and Mauro Manotas, while Santos Laguna will miss Anderson Santamaria, Pedro Aquino, Ronaldo Prieto, and Hugo Rodriguez due to injuries and suspensions.
4. How have both teams performed in their last few matches?
Both teams have drawn their opening two matches of the 2024 Liga MX Apertura season. Atlas drew 1-1 with Tigres, and Santos Laguna also had a 1-1 draw with Pumas.
5. What are the historical head-to-head statistics between the two teams?
Atlas has an unbeaten record in their last three Liga MX encounters with Santos Laguna and has not lost any of their last four home games against them.
Conclusion
As the 2024 Liga MX Apertura season progresses, the clash between Atlas and Santos Laguna at Jalisco Stadium promises to be a compelling encounter. Both teams are desperate for their first win of the season, and their recent performances indicate a closely contested match. With key players missing and historical records favoring Atlas, the outcome remains unpredictable, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding this fixture.
For more detailed data analysis and predictions for this match, click here. Don’t miss out on any updates—subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and insights.
