Santos vs. Necaxa: Kicking Off Clausura 2026 with Fire and Fresh Faces
The highly anticipated Clausura 2026 season of Liga MX is about to explode, and one of the most exciting matchups of the opening weekend features Santos Laguna hosting Club Necaxa. With new signings, renewed ambitions, and the roar of the Estadio Corona crowd, this promises to be a captivating start for both teams.
Match Details: When & Where to Catch the Action
The Warriors of Santos Laguna will welcome the Rayos of Necaxa this Saturday at 7:00 PM (local time). The battleground? The iconic Estadio Corona in Torreón. Fans can expect a tightly contested affair, with referee Luis Alfredo García Rodríguez from the capital city taking charge, assisted by Enríque Isaac Bustos Díaz and Enedina Caudillo Gómez on the lines, and Karen Hernández Andrade as the fourth official.
Santos Laguna: A New Chapter Unfolds
Under the guidance of Spanish coach Francisco Rodríguez, Santos Laguna enters the Clausura 2026 with a squad brimming with fresh talent and renewed determination. The Albiverdes have made strategic additions to bolster their ranks:
- Lucas di Yorio: Argentine striker ready to lead the attack.
- Carlos Gruezo: Ecuadorian midfielder bringing dynamism and control.
- Ezequiel Bullaude: Another talented Argentine midfielder joining the squad.
- Efraín Orona: Mexican defender adding strength to the backline.
- Kevin Picón: The promising youth product returns to La Laguna after a formative stint with Real Sporting de Gijón in Spain’s Segunda División.
Crucially, the club also officially announced the permanent acquisition of Colombian defender Kevin Balanta, extending his contract until Clausura 2029. Balanta, who arrived in Apertura 2025, quickly became a defensive lynchpin, showcasing his physical prowess, leadership, and aerial ability.
However, the Warriors will also be without several key players from last season, including Bruno Barticciotto, Ronaldo Prieto, Jordan Carrillo, Franco Fagúndez, and Ismael Govea, who have all moved on to new ventures.
Club Necaxa: The Rayos’ Reinvention
Led by Martín Varini, Club Necaxa also arrives with significant changes, aiming to improve upon their previous season’s performance. The Hidrocálidos have brought in several notable names:
- Lorenzo Faravelli: Experienced midfielder previously with Cruz Azul.
- Julián Carranza: Argentine addition to strengthen the attack.
- Agustín Almendra: Another Argentine talent joining the midfield.
- Kevin Gutiérrez: A new face for the Rayos.
The Rayos, however, have seen the departure of impactful players like Colombian striker Díber Cambindo (to León) and Argentine midfielder Agustín Palavecino (to Máquina Celeste). These two were pivotal in Necaxa’s dominant 4-1 victory over Santos Laguna in the previous tournament, a result that notably hampered the Verdiblancos’ Play-In aspirations.
A Storied Rivalry: Head-to-Head History
The history between Santos Laguna and Necaxa is rich with competitive encounters. In 36 matches played in Torreón since the 1988-89 season, a staggering 14 have ended in draws. Santos holds a slight edge with 14 victories and 59 goals scored, while Necaxa boasts 8 wins with 56 goals against.
Necaxa has historically found success on the road against Santos, securing notable victories such as 1-2 in 1991-92, 0-3 in 1992-93, and impressive thrashings like 1-4 in Clausura 2022 and 2-5 in Apertura 2023. However, in their most recent clash at the TSM during Apertura 2024, Santos emerged victorious with a dramatic 3-2 win, thanks to goals from Fagúndez, Santi Muñóz, and a last-gasp Tahiel Jiménez winner.
Legendary striker Jared Borgetti holds the record as Santos’ all-time leading scorer against Necaxa, netting 11 goals against them. Over the years, several players and coaches have worn both jerseys, including Edson Alvarado, Ricardo Wagner de Souza, Ventura Alvarado, and coaches like Pedro Dellacha and José Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre, further intertwining the clubs’ histories. For more on Liga MX history, visit the official Liga MX website.
What to Expect from This Clausura 2026 Showdown
With both Santos and Necaxa undergoing significant squad adjustments and eager to start the Clausura 2026 on a winning note, this match promises high intensity and tactical intrigue. Santos will rely on their new attacking prowess and Balanta’s defensive solidity, while Necaxa will aim to leverage their new foreign talent to overcome their key departures.
Don’t miss this thrilling kickoff to the Liga MX Clausura 2026 season! It’s more than just a game; it’s the start of a new chapter for both Santos Laguna and Club Necaxa. For ongoing football news, check out sources like ESPN Soccer.
