Fresh starts and new tactics
Santos Laguna Mexico have appointed Fernando Ortiz as their new manager in December 2024, a tactically astute coach who should bring an interesting style of play to the club. They will need to adapt quickly in order to start their 2025/2026 campaign in the best possible manner.
The Santos Laguna Mexico vs Pumas UNAM preview highlights that both teams enter this clash in similarly disappointing fashion, also without a point on the board after 0 games. Efrain Juarez has led Pumas UNAM since March 2025 and has done a good job of tightening them up defensively whilst not sacrificing too much in the attacking area.
A battle of styles
Santos Laguna play on the front foot, preferring to push their defence up the pitch as far as possible, they play quick passes vertically to make fast transitions and they use their full backs to overlap and stretch their opponents. Pumas UNAM are more structured, compact in defence and more patient in possession, they also use their midfield to press in a more selective fashion.
The clash between these two styles will be interesting, our Santos Laguna Mexico vs Pumas UNAM prediction is that the tactical battle could be decisive, with Santos being better when they are at their best, but struggling to achieve this recently. Pumas UNAM are more consistent and this may be the key to this game, the visitors could get the edge if they can make Santos overcommit. A defensive error or a quick counter-attack could be the turning point in this match. For those interested in wagering, the Santos Laguna Mexico vs Pumas UNAM betting tips can provide more insights into potential outcomes.
Pumas UNAM to get the better of hosts
Pumas UNAM come into this fixture off the back of a 2-0 win over Santos Laguna in the last Liga MX head-to-head two months ago. When looking at the Santos Laguna Mexico vs Pumas UNAM odds, the bookmakers favour Pumas UNAM at 1.86, with Santos Laguna as the underdogs at 3.80 and the draw at 3.45. Given the advantage in the recent head-to-head record and the superior form of Pumas UNAM, the ‘Pumas UNAM or Draw’ double chance looks most appealing.
Santos Laguna are at their most dangerous when Bruno Barticciotto has the ball; he has netted 2 of their last 4 goals across the previous 5 games. Guillermo Martinez is Pumas UNAM’s key man, he has netted 4 out of their 6 recent goals in their last 5 matches, a true poacher’s record.
This Santos Laguna Mexico vs Pumas UNAM prediction is shaped by Pumas UNAM’s slight advantage in the head-to-head but the fact they have not won in their 3 most recent away games against Santos Laguna remains notable. Given Pumas UNAM’s slight head-to-head advantage and form, I’m leaning towards the favorites to edge this contest.
