Get the full match preview of Santos Laguna vs Toluca in the Liga MX Apertura 2025. Includes predictions, confirmed team news, starting lineups, and key stats for this exciting Matchday 2 showdown.
Santos Laguna vs Toluca: Prediction, Preview, Team News & Lineups for Liga MX Apertura 2025 Clash
Two high-flying sides clash in Matchday 2 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 as Santos Laguna host Toluca at the Estadio TSM Corona. After both teams recorded confident wins in their opening fixtures, this Thursday’s showdown is shaping up to be one of the early highlights of the season.
While Santos will look to build on their dominant victory over Pumas, Toluca arrive with an impressive unbeaten streak and one of the strongest defenses in the league.
Santos Laguna: Momentum and Home Advantage Key
Santos Laguna stunned critics with a commanding 3-0 win against Pumas UNAM in their opening match. After a series of poor results that saw them lose five in a row, including three home games, the Guerreros finally showed signs of resurgence under new head coach Francisco Palencia.
Offensive Flair Returns
Colombian forward Cristian Dájome was particularly impressive, scoring in his debut and adding pace and width to Santos’ front line. Midfield dynamo Aldo López and Pedro Aquino provided excellent support in transition, allowing Santos to dominate both possession and territory.
Defensive Reshuffle
Despite the clean sheet, Santos will miss Bruno Amione, their injured center-back. His absence could force a tactical adjustment, likely involving Rodrigo López or Hugo Rodríguez filling in at the back.
Toluca: Confidence, Consistency, and Clean Sheets
Toluca, managed by Antonio Mohamed, also opened their campaign with a solid 3-1 win over Necaxa. The result marked their fifth unbeaten game in all competitions and confirmed their status as early title contenders.
Defensive Strength
The Red Devils have now kept three consecutive clean sheets and are unbeaten in their last eight home fixtures. Though this match is away, their recent road form—two gritty draws—shows resilience.
Squad Depth and New Signings
A possible absence of goalkeeper Pau López due to a finger injury could be a setback. Tiago Volpi may step in if needed. Additionally, the debut of newly signed Argentine midfielder Nicolás Castro could offer creative balance in midfield alongside Claudio Baeza and Marcel Ruiz.
Head-to-Head Laguna vs Toluca: A Historic Liga MX Rivalry
Santos and Toluca have a rich history of competitive matches:
- Last 5 meetings: 2 wins for Toluca, 2 draws, 1 win for Santos
- Toluca won their last meeting 2-1 at Estadio Nemesio Díez
- Santos have not beaten Toluca at home since 2021
The stats show a tightly contested rivalry, with Toluca having a slight recent edge.
Predicted Lineups Laguna vs Toluca
Santos Laguna Starting XI:
Acevedo; Abella, Ortega, Ballantra, Amione (out), Echeverria; López, Villaba, Guémez; Dájome, Ocejo
Note: Amione likely to be replaced by Rodríguez or López
Toluca Starting XI:
García; Barbosa, Luan, Pereira, Gallardo, Romero; Ruiz, Vega; Angulo, Domínguez; Paulinho
Note: Pau López doubtful; Nicolás Castro could feature off the bench
Match Prediction Laguna vs Toluca: A Tense Midfield Battle with Margins Deciding
This fixture could be defined by midfield dominance and defensive concentration. While Santos showed impressive attacking intent in their opener, Toluca’s defensive structure and unbeaten run give them an edge in terms of form and tactical cohesion.
Prediction Laguna vs Toluca:
Santos Laguna 1-2 Toluca
Expect a narrow Toluca victory, especially if Pau López is fit or the defense holds firm. A draw is also a strong possibility given both teams’ form.
FAQs: Santos Laguna vs Toluca
Q1: When is the Santos vs Toluca match?
A1: The match will take place on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Estadio TSM Corona.
Q2: Who is the coach of Santos Laguna?
A2: Francisco Palencia is the current head coach of Santos Laguna.
Q3: Is Pau López playing for Toluca?
A3: He is currently doubtful due to a finger injury; his availability will be a game-time decision.
Q4: Who scored in Santos’ last match?
A4: Cristian Dájome, Pedro Aquino, and Diego Medina scored in the 3-0 win over Pumas.
Q5: What was Toluca’s last result in Liga MX?
A5: Toluca defeated Necaxa 3-1 in their Liga MX Apertura 2025 opener.