Introduction
The quest for a first victory in the 2024 Liga MX Apertura season continues as Atlas hosts Santos Laguna at Jalisco Stadium on Tuesday. Both teams have experienced a rocky start to the season, each managing to secure only a single point from their first two matchdays. Atlas, hailing from Guadalajara, struggled to maintain their halftime lead against Tigres, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Similarly, Santos Laguna also settled for a 1-1 draw against Pumas.
After two matchdays, Atlas finds itself languishing in the lower half of the Liga MX table with just two points. Despite not losing yet this season, their inability to convert promising starts into victories has been a recurring issue. Meanwhile, Santos Laguna has shown resilience, rebounding from a disappointing end to their Clausura campaign. Both teams will be eager to secure their first win of the season and climb the standings.
Current Form and Statistics
Atlas’s Struggles and Resilience
Atlas has failed to capitalize on early leads, a trend that dates back to the previous Clausura campaign. Despite scoring the opening goal in their last two matches, they have been unable to secure all three points. This inability to maintain leads has cost them valuable points early in the season.
- Home Form: Only one of their last eight home matches in Liga MX has ended in victory. This lone win came in April when they came from behind to defeat San Luis 2-1.
- Recent Performance: Although victories have been scarce, Atlas has managed to avoid defeat in four of their last five domestic matches. They have been unbeaten in their last three encounters against Santos Laguna and have not lost any of their previous four home games against them.
Santos Laguna’s Defensive Solidarity
Santos Laguna, under the guidance of Ignacio Ambriz, has shown defensive solidity despite a challenging end to their recent Clausura campaign. They conceded seven goals in their last three Clausura matches but have only allowed two goals in the current Apertura season.
- Away Form: Santos Laguna has not won an away match since March, when they secured a 1-0 victory over Queretaro. Their last domestic win came against Cruz Azul with a 3-0 scoreline.
- Head-to-Head: Laguna has earned points in three of their previous four meetings with Atlas but has not won an away match against them since 2019.
Key Players and Injuries
Atlas’s Squad Updates
Atlas is currently dealing with several injury issues. Brian Lozano missed the last match due to knee surgery, and Mauro Manotas was sidelined with an ACL injury. Despite these setbacks, Raymundo Fulgencio, on loan from Tigres, scored the opening goal in their previous match, marking his first goal of the season.
- Possible Starting Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Hernandez
- Defenders: Lozano, Nervo, Mora, Reyes
- Midfielders: Bass, Rocha
- Forwards: Murillo, Marquez, Fulgencio, E. Aguirre
Santos Laguna’s Squad Updates
Santos Laguna will be without Anderson Santamaria, who received two cautions in their last match. Additionally, Pedro Aquino, Ronaldo Prieto, and Hugo Rodriguez are all sidelined with knee injuries. Santiago Munoz, who scored a penalty in their previous match, remains the only player to have found the net for Santos Laguna this season.
- Possible Starting Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Acevedo
- Defenders: Govea, Nunez, Lorona, Echeverria
- Midfielders: Lopez, Mariscal
- Forwards: Medina, Carrillo, Macias, Munoz
Tactical Analysis
Atlas’s Tactical Approach
Atlas has shown a tendency to start strong but falter as the match progresses. Their defensive lapses have been a significant concern, especially when trying to hold onto a lead. Coach Benat San Jose may look to tighten up the defense while maintaining their attacking prowess.
Key Tactics:
– Early Aggression: Atlas often aims to score early and put pressure on the opposition.
– Defensive Solidity: Improving their defensive organization will be crucial to maintaining leads.
– Utilizing Width: With players like Fulgencio, Atlas can exploit the flanks to create scoring opportunities.
Santos Laguna’s Tactical Approach
Santos Laguna has focused on building a solid defensive foundation under Ignacio Ambriz. Their ability to keep the opposition at bay has been a highlight of their season so far. However, their attack needs to be more clinical to convert draws into wins.
Key Tactics:
– Defensive Compactness: Santos Laguna prioritizes a tight defensive structure to minimize goals conceded.
– Counter-Attacks: Utilizing quick transitions to catch the opposition off guard.
– Set Pieces: Capitalizing on set-piece situations to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Historical Context and Rivalry
The rivalry between Atlas and Santos Laguna has been intense, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance. Atlas has had the upper hand in recent encounters, remaining unbeaten in their last three Liga MX matches against Santos Laguna. This historical edge could provide a psychological advantage for Atlas as they seek their first win of the season.
Historical Results:
– Atlas has not lost any of their last four home games against Santos Laguna.
– Santos Laguna’s last away victory against Atlas came in 2019 with a 2-1 scoreline.
FAQs
What is the current form of Atlas?
Atlas has struggled to convert early leads into victories, managing only two points from their first two matches. They have been unbeaten in their last three encounters against Santos Laguna.
How has Santos Laguna performed defensively?
Santos Laguna has shown defensive resilience, conceding only two goals in the current Apertura season. They have focused on maintaining a solid defensive structure under Ignacio Ambriz.
Who are the key players missing for Atlas?
Brian Lozano and Mauro Manotas are notable absentees due to knee surgery and an ACL injury, respectively.
Who are the key players missing for Santos Laguna?
Anderson Santamaria is suspended, while Pedro Aquino, Ronaldo Prieto, and Hugo Rodriguez are sidelined with knee injuries.
What are the possible starting lineups for both teams?
- Atlas: Hernandez; Lozano, Nervo, Mora, Reyes; Bass, Rocha; Murillo, Marquez, Fulgencio; E. Aguirre
- Santos Laguna: Acevedo; Govea, Nunez, Lorona, Echeverria; Lopez, Mariscal; Medina, Carrillo, Macias; Munoz
Conclusion
As Atlas and Santos Laguna prepare to face off at Jalisco Stadium, both teams are eager to secure their first victory of the 2024 Liga MX Apertura season. Atlas must address their defensive lapses to convert promising starts into wins, while Santos Laguna aims to build on their defensive solidity and find more goals. With key players missing for both sides, the match promises to be an intriguing tactical battle. As the season progresses, both teams will be keen to climb the standings and establish themselves as formidable contenders in Liga MX.
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