“Atlas vs Santos Laguna: Battle for First 2024 Liga MX Apertura Win”
Atlas vs. Santos Laguna: A Quest for Victory in the 2024 Liga MX Apertura Season
As the 2024 Liga MX Apertura season unfolds, fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between Atlas and Santos Laguna at Jalisco Stadium on Tuesday. Both teams are in search of their first win this season, making this match a pivotal moment for each side. Atlas, hailing from Guadalajara, and Santos Laguna, representing Comarca Lagunera, have both shown glimpses of potential but are yet to secure a victory in the young campaign.
Current Standings and Recent Performances
Atlas: Struggling to Secure Wins
Atlas finds themselves in the lower half of the domestic table with just two points after two matchdays. Despite not losing under the guidance of coach Benat San Jose, the team has been unable to clinch a win in their last two matches, even after scoring the opening goal. This trend dates back to the previous Clausura campaign, highlighting a recurring issue for the team.
- Home Record: Atlas has managed to secure only one victory in their last eight home matches in Liga MX. This win came in April when they overcame San Luis with a 2-1 comeback.
- Recent Form: While victories have been elusive, Atlas has shown resilience by avoiding defeat in four of their last five domestic matches.
- Head-to-Head: Atlas is unbeaten in their last three Liga MX encounters with Santos Laguna and has not lost any of their last four home games against them.
Santos Laguna: A Mixed Bag of Results
Santos Laguna has had a challenging run, especially towards the end of the recent Clausura campaign, where they lost their final three matches by a cumulative score of 7-0. However, they have shown improvement in the 2024 Apertura, conceding only two goals so far.
- Scoring First: The team opened the scoring over the weekend for the first time this season but failed to secure a win, extending their streak to three Liga MX matches without a victory after scoring first.
- Away Record: Santos Laguna has not won a domestic contest since March, when they secured a 3-0 victory over Cruz Azul. Their last away win was also in March, a 1-0 triumph over Queretaro.
- Head-to-Head: While Santos Laguna has earned points in three of their last four meetings with Atlas, their last away victory against Atlas dates back to 2019.
Key Players and Injuries
Atlas
Atlas was without Brian Lozano last weekend as he recovers from knee surgery. Additionally, Mauro Manotas was sidelined due to an ACL injury. Raymundo Fulgencio, on loan from Tigres, scored his first goal of the campaign on matchday two.
- Possible Starting Lineup:
- Hernandez
- Lozano, Nervo, Mora, Reyes
- Bass, Rocha
- Murillo, Marquez, Fulgencio
- E. Aguirre
Santos Laguna
Santos Laguna will be missing Anderson Santamaria, who received two yellow cards in their last match. Pedro Aquino, Ronaldo Prieto, and Hugo Rodriguez are also out with knee injuries. Santiago Munoz scored a penalty on matchday two, marking the only goal for Santos Laguna so far this season.
- Possible Starting Lineup:
- Acevedo
- Govea, Nunez, Lorona, Echeverria
- Lopez, Mariscal
- Medina, Carrillo, Macias
- Munoz
Tactical Approaches and Expected Strategies
Atlas: Building on Home Advantage
Atlas will look to leverage their home advantage and build on their recent resilience. Coach Benat San Jose might focus on solidifying the defense while encouraging quick transitions to catch Santos Laguna off guard.
- Defensive Solidity: Ensuring a tight defense to prevent early goals.
- Quick Transitions: Utilizing speed on the wings with players like Fulgencio.
- Set Pieces: Capitalizing on set pieces given their physical presence in the box.
Santos Laguna: Breaking the Away Curse
Santos Laguna will aim to break their away win drought by focusing on a balanced approach. Ignacio Ambriz is likely to emphasize maintaining possession and exploiting any defensive lapses from Atlas.
- Possession Play: Controlling the midfield to dictate the pace of the game.
- Defensive Organization: Staying compact to avoid conceding early.
- Counterattacks: Utilizing the speed of players like Munoz on the break.
FAQs
What are the expectations for Atlas this season?
Atlas aims to improve their standing in the Liga MX and secure more consistent victories, especially at home.
How has Santos Laguna’s defense improved this season?
Santos Laguna has focused on tightening their defense, evident from conceding only two goals so far in the Apertura.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Atlas, Raymundo Fulgencio and E. Aguirre are crucial, while for Santos Laguna, Santiago Munoz and Acevedo will be key.
What are the historical results between Atlas and Santos Laguna?
Atlas has been unbeaten in their last three matches against Santos Laguna and has not lost at home to them in their last four encounters.
How can Santos Laguna break their away winless streak?
Santos Laguna can focus on a solid defensive strategy and capitalize on counterattacks to secure an away victory.
Conclusion
As Atlas and Santos Laguna prepare to face off at Jalisco Stadium, both teams are eager to claim their first victory of the 2024 Liga MX Apertura season. With key players missing and tactical adjustments necessary, this match promises to be a closely contested affair. Atlas will look to build on their home advantage, while Santos Laguna aims to break their away winless streak. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as both sides vie for a much-needed win to boost their standings in the league.
