Santos Laguna hosts FC Juárez on September 13, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET in a must-win Liga MX match for both clubs struggling at the bottom of the Apertura standings.
Why it matters: This match is a potential turning point for both Santos Laguna and FC Juárez, who are desperately seeking points to avoid relegation. With Santos in 17th place and Juárez in 18th, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Santos Laguna has only one point from seven matches, with their last game resulting in a 0-1 loss to Cruz Azul.
FC Juárez has lost all seven of their matches in the Apertura, conceding 21 goals and scoring just three.
A victory for either team could relieve pressure and provide a much-needed boost in morale for the remainder of the season.
Driving the news: Santos Laguna and FC Juárez are both underperforming this season, making this match a key opportunity for redemption. Santos has recorded just one draw against Tigres, and Juárez has yet to register a point.
In their last encounter, Santos and Juárez played to a 2-2 draw in January 2026, highlighting the competitive nature of their recent matches.
Both teams have struggled offensively, with Santos managing only four goals and Juárez scoring three in total this season.
The match will take place at Estadio TSM Corona in Torreón, which could give Santos a slight home advantage.
State of play: Santos Laguna is currently in 17th place in the Liga MX standings, having accumulated just one point from their first seven matches.
Santos has suffered three defeats in their last four league outings, scoring only once in that span.
FC Juárez sits at the bottom of the table with zero points, having lost all five of their most recent matches, culminating in a 0-2 defeat to Pachuca.
Both teams are in dire need of a change in fortune, as another loss would deepen their respective crises.
The big picture: The Apertura 2026 season is nearing its halfway point, and both Santos Laguna and FC Juárez are feeling the heat.
Historically, Santos has dominated this matchup, winning six of the last nine encounters, with Juárez winning only once.
With both teams struggling, the outcome of this match could significantly impact their chances of avoiding relegation.
Fans are eager to see if Santos can leverage their home field advantage to secure their first victory of the season.
What they're saying: Club officials and fans alike are anxious about the current state of their teams.
Aleco Irarragorri, president of Santos Laguna, expressed confidence in the team's eventual turnaround, stating, "I have to endure the pressure."
Fans have voiced their frustration over the team's poor performance, with many calling for immediate changes to improve results.
Juárez supporters are similarly disheartened, hoping for a breakthrough after a string of disappointing results.
By the numbers: The statistics paint a grim picture for both teams as they prepare for this clash.
Santos Laguna has scored four goals and conceded 12, resulting in a goal difference of -8.
FC Juárez has scored just three goals but has conceded a staggering 21, leading to a goal difference of -18.
In their last five games, Santos has recorded one win, one draw, and three losses, whereas Juárez has lost all five.
What's next: The upcoming match is set for September 13, 2026, at 19:00 Central Mexico time.
The match will be broadcast live on ESPN, Disney+ Premium, ViX, and Layvtime in Mexico, and on TUDN in the United States.
Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams fight for survival in the league.
Following this match, Santos will face Toluca, and Juárez will meet Tigres, where both teams will seek to build momentum.