Liga MX Clausura - 9

Santos Laguna 1 - 2 FT Cruz Azul

Estadio Corona

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
54
FT
Wed, Mar 4
Español
Santos Laguna
1-2
Cruz Azul
⚡ Intensity 51
⚖️ Balance 60
🏆 Stakes 0
🎲 Upset 0
Cruz Azul break brave Santos resistance.

Late Strike Secures Crucial Away Points

Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 54/100. An intriguing top-versus-bottom clash where superior attacking quality eventually punctured a stubborn defensive rearguard to keep the title charge alive.

Setting the Tempo

The fixture at Estadio Corona began exactly as the league table suggested it might, with a massive gap in confidence clearly visible. Cruz Azul, desperately chasing the league leaders, arrived with clear intent and edged possession to establish early authority. Their sharp attacking Intensity pinned the hosts back almost immediately. The persistent pressure paid dividends within 15 minutes when J. Marquez broke the deadlock, finishing with aplomb to reward the visitors' assertive start. Santos Laguna appeared to be unravelling entirely when Javier Güemez was shown a red card shortly after. However, a crucial VAR intervention in the 26th minute mercifully overturned the dismissal. That incredible stroke of fortune kept the home side's fading hopes alive, allowing them to regroup and survive a relentless barrage of first-half shots from the confident title contenders.

The Resistance Fights Back

Emerging for the second half with renewed belief, the hosts flipped the script and punished their opponents' failure to extend the lead while they had the chance. The delicate Balance of the tie shifted dramatically in the 54th minute. C. Dajome carved out a dangerous pocket of space and delivered a precise pass to E. Bullaude, who clinically dispatched the equaliser past a stunned goalkeeper. Suddenly, the tantalising prospect of a massive Upset Factor loomed large over the stadium. The away side, previously looking so comfortable on the ball, seemed momentarily rattled by the home team's unexpected vigour. Despite generating significantly more expected goals over the ninety minutes, the visitors found themselves locked in a gritty, physical scrap, desperately needing to rediscover their earlier attacking rhythm.

Class Tells in the End

With the Stakes incredibly high for a side sitting just three points off the league summit, the visitors ruthlessly ramped up the pressure in the closing stages. They continually peppered the penalty area, ultimately racking up an impressive 16 total shots. The decisive, heartbreaking moment for the home fans finally arrived in the 78th minute. C. Rotondi expertly unlocked the tired defence, teeing up J. Paradela to strike the fatal blow and restore the vital lead. It was a goal born of sheer persistence and superior squad depth. The late winner condemned the battling hosts to another deeply frustrating defeat, leaving them anchored to the very bottom of the table. Meanwhile, the crucial away victory perfectly highlighted the mental resilience required to mount a serious championship challenge this season.

Key Questions

How did VAR change this match?

A 26th-minute VAR review controversially cancelled a red card for Javier Güemez, allowing Santos to keep eleven men on the pitch and briefly mount a spirited second-half comeback.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
47%
53%
Santos Laguna 47%
Cruz Azul 53%
Shots
6
16
Santos Laguna 6
Cruz Azul 16
Shots on Target
2
7
Santos Laguna 2
Cruz Azul 7
Expected Goals (xG)
0.42
1.44
Santos Laguna 0.42
Cruz Azul 1.44
Passes
318
365
Santos Laguna 318
Cruz Azul 365
Pass Accuracy
74%
75%
Santos Laguna 74%
Cruz Azul 75%
Corners
2
4
Santos Laguna 2
Cruz Azul 4
Fouls
16
17
Santos Laguna 16
Cruz Azul 17
Yellow Cards
4
2
Santos Laguna 4
Cruz Azul 2
Red Cards
0
0
Santos Laguna 0
Cruz Azul 0

Match Events

14' 🟨 Luis Gómez
J. Marquez 15'
26' Javier Güemez
28' 🟨 Javier Güemez
HT
54' E. Bullaude (C. Dajome)
N. Ibanez G. Fernandez 🔄 56'
A. Morales O. Campos 🔄 57'
66' 🔄 C. Dajome D. Medina
66' 🔄 L. Gomez J. C. Echilvestre
72' 🔄 F. Villalba L. Vuoso
J. Paradela (C. Rotondi) 78'
80' 🟨 Haret Ortega
J. Marquez A. Montano 🔄 80'
84' 🔄 B. Amione E. Orona
C. Rotondi L. Romero 🔄 84'
J. Paradela J. Rodarte 🔄 84'
85' 🔄 A. Lopez T. Jimenez
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

Santos Laguna

Goalkeepers
C. Acevedo
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
1
Fouls Won
1
Fouls Won
1
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
K. Picon
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
4
Tackles
62%
Duel Win %
H. Ortega
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
58%
Duel Win %
B. Amione
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
6
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
E. Echeverria
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
2
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Midfielders
J. Guemez
SWEEPER
SWEEPER
5
Cleanups
5
Cleanups
2
Interceptions
3
Blocks
A. Lopez
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
4
Fouls Won
4
Fouls Won
8
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
C. Dajome
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
7
Rating
F. Villalba
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
0
Assists
22%
Pass Acc
L. Gomez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
66
Total Mins
66
Entry
Forwards
E. Bullaude
SNIPER
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
BENCH
H. Holguin
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
J. Abella
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Perez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. C. Echilvestre
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
24
Total Mins
Started
Entry
E. Orona
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
D. Medina
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
24
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Mariscal Murra
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
N. Cedillo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. Vuoso
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
T. Jimenez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Cruz Azul

Goalkeepers
A. Gudino
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
A. Morales
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
57
Total Mins
57
Entry
W. Ditta
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
67%
Duel Win %
E. Lira
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
5
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
G. Piovi
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
60%
Duel Win %
C. Rotondi
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
1
Assists
23%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
J. Paradela
CLOSER
CLOSER
1
Late Goals
1
Late Goals
0
Late Assists
75
Minute
A. Palavecino
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
40%
Pass Acc
J. Marquez
SNIPER
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
C. Rodriguez
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
0
Assists
26%
Pass Acc
Forwards
N. Ibanez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
56
Total Mins
56
Entry
BENCH
E. Ochoa
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
O. Campos
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
33
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Garcia
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Montano
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
10
Total Mins
Started
Entry
D. Valdez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
G. Fernandez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
34
Total Mins
Started
Entry
C. Ebere
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. Romero
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Diaz
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
J. Rodarte
👻 Invisible Nothing to note

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
08/17/2025 Cruz Azul 3 - 2 Santos Laguna Liga MX Estadio Olímpico Universitario
02/20/2025 Santos Laguna 0 - 1 Cruz Azul Liga MX Estadio Corona
11/03/2024 Cruz Azul 2 - 0 Santos Laguna Liga MX Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes
03/10/2024 Santos Laguna 3 - 0 Cruz Azul Liga MX Estadio Corona
08/20/2023 Cruz Azul 2 - 2 Santos Laguna Liga MX Estadio Azteca
04/30/2023 Cruz Azul 3 - 2 Santos Laguna Liga MX Estadio Azteca
08/17/2025
Liga MX Estadio Olímpico Universitario
02/20/2025
Liga MX Estadio Corona
11/03/2024
Liga MX Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes
03/10/2024
Liga MX Estadio Corona
08/20/2023
Liga MX Estadio Azteca
04/30/2023
Liga MX Estadio Azteca
Santos Laguna Win
Cruz Azul Win
Draw

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Cruz Azul 9 22 17 9 +8 WSantos Laguna 1 - 2 Cruz Azul (04-03-2026)WMonterrey 0 - 2 Cruz Azul (01-03-2026)WCruz Azul 2 - 1 Guadalajara Chivas (22-02-2026)WCruz Azul 2 - 1 Tigres UANL (15-02-2026)DToluca 1 - 1 Cruz Azul (07-02-2026)
2 Toluca 9 21 14 4 +10 WU.N.A.M. - Pumas 2 - 3 Toluca (04-03-2026)WToluca 2 - 0 Guadalajara Chivas (28-02-2026)WNecaxa 0 - 3 Toluca (22-02-2026)WToluca 1 - 0 Club Tijuana (14-02-2026)DToluca 1 - 1 Cruz Azul (07-02-2026)
3 Guadalajara Chivas 9 21 17 8 +9 WGuadalajara Chivas 5 - 0 Leon (19-03-2026)LToluca 2 - 0 Guadalajara Chivas (28-02-2026)LCruz Azul 2 - 1 Guadalajara Chivas (22-02-2026)WGuadalajara Chivas 1 - 0 Club America (15-02-2026)WMazatlán 1 - 2 Guadalajara Chivas (07-02-2026)
4 Pachuca 9 17 11 7 +4 WPachuca 2 - 1 Necaxa (04-03-2026)LMazatlán 1 - 0 Pachuca (28-02-2026)WTigres UANL 1 - 2 Pachuca (21-02-2026)WPachuca 3 - 1 Atlas (14-02-2026)WPachuca 2 - 0 FC Juarez (08-02-2026)
5 U.N.A.M. - Pumas 9 16 17 10 +7 LU.N.A.M. - Pumas 2 - 3 Toluca (04-03-2026)DClub Tijuana 1 - 1 U.N.A.M. - Pumas (28-02-2026)WU.N.A.M. - Pumas 2 - 0 Monterrey (22-02-2026)WPuebla 2 - 3 U.N.A.M. - Pumas (14-02-2026)DAtlas 2 - 2 U.N.A.M. - Pumas (08-02-2026)
6 Atlas 9 16 12 13 -1 WAtlas 2 - 1 Club Tijuana (05-03-2026)LFC Juarez 3 - 1 Atlas (28-02-2026)WAtlas 3 - 2 Atletico San Luis (21-02-2026)LPachuca 3 - 1 Atlas (14-02-2026)DAtlas 2 - 2 U.N.A.M. - Pumas (08-02-2026)
7 Monterrey 9 13 14 9 +5 WMonterrey 4 - 0 Club Queretaro (05-03-2026)LMonterrey 0 - 2 Cruz Azul (01-03-2026)LU.N.A.M. - Pumas 2 - 0 Monterrey (22-02-2026)WMonterrey 1 - 0 Leon (15-02-2026)LClub America 1 - 0 Monterrey (08-02-2026)
8 Tigres UANL 9 13 16 12 +4 LPuebla 3 - 1 Tigres UANL (05-03-2026)WClub America 1 - 4 Tigres UANL (01-03-2026)LTigres UANL 1 - 2 Pachuca (21-02-2026)LCruz Azul 2 - 1 Tigres UANL (15-02-2026)WTigres UANL 5 - 1 Santos Laguna (07-02-2026)
9 Club America 9 11 9 9 0 LClub America 1 - 2 FC Juarez (05-03-2026)LClub America 1 - 4 Tigres UANL (01-03-2026)WPuebla 0 - 4 Club America (21-02-2026)LGuadalajara Chivas 1 - 0 Club America (15-02-2026)WClub America 1 - 0 Monterrey (08-02-2026)
10 FC Juarez 9 11 14 15 -1 DClub Queretaro 1 - 1 FC Juarez (08-04-2026)WClub America 1 - 2 FC Juarez (05-03-2026)WFC Juarez 3 - 1 Atlas (28-02-2026)LFC Juarez 1 - 2 Necaxa (15-02-2026)LPachuca 2 - 0 FC Juarez (08-02-2026)
11 Puebla 9 11 8 11 -3 WPuebla 3 - 1 Tigres UANL (05-03-2026)WAtletico San Luis 0 - 1 Puebla (28-02-2026)LPuebla 0 - 4 Club America (21-02-2026)LPuebla 2 - 3 U.N.A.M. - Pumas (14-02-2026)DClub Tijuana 0 - 0 Puebla (07-02-2026)
12 Atletico San Luis 9 10 16 15 +1 WAtletico San Luis 4 - 1 Mazatlán (04-03-2026)LAtletico San Luis 0 - 1 Puebla (28-02-2026)LAtlas 3 - 2 Atletico San Luis (21-02-2026)WAtletico San Luis 3 - 0 Club Queretaro (14-02-2026)LNecaxa 4 - 1 Atletico San Luis (07-02-2026)
13 Leon 9 10 9 16 -7 LGuadalajara Chivas 5 - 0 Leon (19-03-2026)WLeon 2 - 1 Necaxa (01-03-2026)WLeon 2 - 1 Santos Laguna (22-02-2026)LMonterrey 1 - 0 Leon (15-02-2026)LClub Queretaro 2 - 0 Leon (07-02-2026)
14 Club Tijuana 9 9 8 9 -1 LAtlas 2 - 1 Club Tijuana (05-03-2026)DClub Tijuana 1 - 1 U.N.A.M. - Pumas (28-02-2026)DClub Tijuana 1 - 1 Mazatlán (22-02-2026)LToluca 1 - 0 Club Tijuana (14-02-2026)DClub Tijuana 0 - 0 Puebla (07-02-2026)
15 Necaxa 9 9 11 15 -4 LPachuca 2 - 1 Necaxa (04-03-2026)LLeon 2 - 1 Necaxa (01-03-2026)LNecaxa 0 - 3 Toluca (22-02-2026)WFC Juarez 1 - 2 Necaxa (15-02-2026)WNecaxa 4 - 1 Atletico San Luis (07-02-2026)
16 Club Queretaro 9 7 8 15 -7 DClub Queretaro 1 - 1 FC Juarez (08-04-2026)LMonterrey 4 - 0 Club Queretaro (05-03-2026)DClub Queretaro 2 - 2 Santos Laguna (28-02-2026)LAtletico San Luis 3 - 0 Club Queretaro (14-02-2026)WClub Queretaro 2 - 0 Leon (07-02-2026)
17 Mazatlán 9 7 9 18 -9 LAtletico San Luis 4 - 1 Mazatlán (04-03-2026)WMazatlán 1 - 0 Pachuca (28-02-2026)DClub Tijuana 1 - 1 Mazatlán (22-02-2026)WSantos Laguna 1 - 2 Mazatlán (15-02-2026)LMazatlán 1 - 2 Guadalajara Chivas (07-02-2026)
18 Santos Laguna 9 2 10 25 -15 LSantos Laguna 1 - 2 Cruz Azul (04-03-2026)DClub Queretaro 2 - 2 Santos Laguna (28-02-2026)LLeon 2 - 1 Santos Laguna (22-02-2026)LSantos Laguna 1 - 2 Mazatlán (15-02-2026)LTigres UANL 5 - 1 Santos Laguna (07-02-2026)