- Atlas are slightly favoured by the odds-makers to win this clash at 2.62, with Santos Laguna at 2.45 and the draw at 3.45.
- Santos have 2 wins, 3 draws and 9 defeats in the Clausura, leaving them bottom of the table.
Duel of the Liga MX’s biggest clubs in a tale of two cities
The biggest clubs in the Liga MX 2025-2026 season meet on Sunday in an important clash for playoff positioning in the second half of the Clausura campaign.
Atlas are around 7th - 8th place with a record of 5 wins, 4 draws and 5 losses after 14 games, while Santos are at the bottom after a poor run of 2 wins, 3 draws and 9 defeats.
Atlas have been steady but not spectacular under Diego Cocca’s careful stewardship this Clausura, while Santos have been all over the place under a succession of coaches.
The home side’s poor run of form continued last weekend when they were beaten 4-2 by Pachuca at home, then they could only draw 1-1 with America, continuing a pattern of conceding too many goals and scoring goals in bursts.
Omar Tapia is in interim charge of Santos again as they try to halt a poor form of defensive disintegration and a confidence crisis brought on by mid-season coaching merry-go-round.
Atlas have been solid, if unspectacular, with Cocca’s pragmatic, disciplined team keeping them competitive in most matches and, generally, difficult to break down.
The visitors have a solid spine, but their attack has often been blunt, despite some good service from the wings in recent games when Djurdjević has been closely marked. González and González (Diego and Arturo) have both provided some timely goals and assists, while midfielders Mateo García and Gustavo Ferrareis return to the squad for this pivotal run-in.
Santiago Solari’s squad are short on confidence and attacking options
Santos’ main attacking outlet has been Cristian Dájome, who has created more chances than any other player on his team this season and has contributed goals and shots on target.
But they will be without key forward Anthony Lozano, who is sidelined with a knee injury that keeps him out of this game, while star midfielder Carlos Gruezo is doubtful after a hamstring strain.
So this game looks likely to be won by the more solid and defensively disciplined Atlas side, with Santos Laguna on a run of bad results and low morale.
However, the home team can be dangerous on their day and Atlas are not always clinical finishers, so a tight, low-margin game is likely. A warm evening in Torreón will favor a high-tempo, physically demanding match, and both teams will be looking to get a solid win - Atlas to push for a playoff place and Santos to revive their season.
But as a result, the depth and fitness of the squads may be tested and that should favour the more structured and solid visitors.
Both teams to score is the favourite at 1.58, but the under 2.5 goals line at 2.04 looks like a value play given the cagey nature of this fixture in recent seasons.
Santos like to play 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, overlapping full-backs, lots of width and quick transitions to the striker.
Atlas play a compact 4-3-3 and have a very different approach, looking to defend in a compact block with a disciplined midfield and quick attacks over the top.
Backing Under 2.5 goals looks like the best option in this clash of contrasting styles.
