- Monterrey have won all of the last five Liga MX H2Hs against Santos with a combined score of 12-2.
- Santos Laguna are rock bottom in the Clausura table with nine or ten points from 15 or 16 matches.
Monterrey must take the three points
Santos Laguna’s poor run of form and Monterrey’s recent dominance in this fixture make Rayados the clear choice for Sunday’s Liga MX clash in Torreón. The bookies have a much different view, however, with a clear favourite in the visitors at 81/100, a longshot on Santos at 69/25 and the draw at 73/25.
Nico Sánchez has alternated between pragmatic setups and a more creative midfield style in his time as Rayados’ acting manager since Domènec Torrent’s departure. But, however he sets his team up, Monterrey have conceded multiple goals in several of their last five league games and have only won once, a 2-1 victory over Puebla, during that time. They sit outside the automatic Liguilla places, but with 18 points from 16 matches, Rayados are mid-table in the Liga MX Clausura 2026.
Santos Laguna have one win and one draw from their last five games and were recently hammered 4-2 by Pachuca and 3-0 by Chivas. Omar Tapia has focused on defensive discipline and work-rate in the Santos squad since taking over as interim boss in February 2026, aiming to stabilize a struggling side.
Santos still have a few good players to trouble Monterrey
The Clausura is virtually over for Santos Laguna but they will want to finish with some pride while Monterrey will look to salvage some dignity and still have an outside chance of sneaking into the top eight for the Liguilla if other results go their way. This clash of styles between Santos’ high-tempo, vertical play and Monterrey’s more patient, possession-based approach will be interesting to see how it pans out.
It’s unlikely to be a long game with hot and windy conditions in Torreón that could affect the pace and players’ stamina. But one of these teams usually shows up when these two sides meet and we believe Rayados are the most likely winner. The over 2.5 goals market at 11/25 looks overpriced because, while Santos are not a defensive unit, Monterrey have been scoring and conceding goals in their recent games.
Uroš Đurđević will lead the line for Rayados as their top scorer and should be well supported by the width of attackers like José Orellano, Maximiliano Ocampos and Diego Torres. Ezequiel Bullaude, Santos’ top scorer and main outlet, must play well for his team to have any chance of winning this.
