Santos Laguna vs Mazatlán FC Prediction, Match Preview, 16 February

Santos Laguna will face Mazatlán FC in an exciting Liga MX clash at the Estadio Nuevo Corona on Monday, 16 February. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams look to make their mark in the league. Santos Laguna, playing at home, will be keen to leverage their familiarity with the Estadio Nuevo Corona to secure a vital win.

Mazatlán FC, on the other hand, will aim to upset the home side and climb the Liga MX standings. With both teams eager to prove their worth, this match is set to be a compelling contest. The outcome could have significant implications for their respective positions in the league, making it a must-watch for fans and bettors alike.

Santos Laguna vs Mazatlán FC Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score	1.67

Given the defensive inconsistencies and midfield absences for Mazatlán FC, combined with Santos Laguna’s recent attacking form, the ‘Both Teams to Score’ market at odds of 1.67 is our recommended betting tip. Both teams have struggled to keep clean sheets, and the head-to-head history suggests a high likelihood of both teams finding the net.

• Four of the last five meetings between these sides have seen both teams score, indicating a trend.
• Mazatlán’s key midfield absences will make it harder for them to control the game and defend effectively.
• Santos Laguna’s recent 2-0 win over León shows they have the attacking capability to exploit Mazatlán’s defensive weaknesses.

Betting Odds

Santos Laguna are stepping onto their home turf at Estadio Nuevo Corona as favourites, with betting odds reflecting their strong position at 1.84. Mazatlán FC, on the other hand, are seen as the underdogs with odds of 3.77, suggesting a tougher challenge for the visitors.

Betting Tip	Odds
Back Santos Laguna	1.84
Back the Draw	3.58
Back Mazatlán FC	3.77

The draw is priced at 3.58, indicating that bookmakers anticipate a closely contested match. For those looking to place a wager, the over 2.5 goals market might be worth a look, given both teams’ attacking capabilities in recent fixtures.

Santos Laguna Analysis & Past Performance

Santos Laguna have struggled in recent form, failing to secure a victory in their last five encounters, recording four losses and a draw. Their most recent match ended in a heavy defeat, a 1-5 loss to Tigres, highlighting their defensive frailties.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Tigres	Santos Laguna	5 – 1 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	7 Feb 2026
Club Universidad Nacional	Santos Laguna	4 – 0 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	31 Jan 2026
Santos Laguna	FC Juárez	2 – 2 (Draw)	Liga MX Clausura	18 Jan 2026
Toluca	Santos Laguna	3 – 1 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	15 Jan 2026
Santos Laguna	Necaxa	1 – 3 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	11 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LLDLL

Santos Laguna’s attack has averaged 1.00 goal per game over the last five matches, while their defence has been porous, conceding an average of 3.40 goals per game. They have been unable to keep a clean sheet during this period, further underlining their defensive vulnerabilities. Despite these challenges, the team has managed to score in four out of their last five matches, indicating some attacking potential that needs to be harnessed.

Santos Laguna Suspensions & Injuries

Santos Laguna face a significant challenge due to the absence of Anthony Lozano, who is sidelined with a knee injury expected to keep him out until late April 2026. Lozano’s absence is a blow to Santos Laguna’s attacking options, as he is a critical component of their forward line. His ability to hold up play and link with midfielders will be missed, potentially limiting the team’s offensive dynamism against Mazatlán FC.

In terms of replacements, Santos Laguna may look to Ramiro Sordo to fill the void left by Lozano. Sordo, who has been part of the recent line-up, will need to step up and provide the attacking impetus that Lozano typically offers. His pace and agility can be crucial in breaking down Mazatlán FC’s defence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Anthony Lozano	Knee injury	Late April 2026

The tactical impact of Lozano’s absence might see coach Francisco Rodríguez tweaking the formation slightly to ensure that the team’s attacking threat remains potent. Utilising a more fluid front line could help in mitigating the loss of Lozano, with players like Lucas Di Yorio and Fran Villalba expected to take on more responsibility in the final third. This adjustment might influence betting markets, as the loss of a key player often alters perceptions of a team’s potential performance.

With no suspensions affecting the squad, the focus remains on how Santos Laguna can cope without their main striker. The full squad, apart from Lozano’s absence, provides depth, which will be essential in maintaining balance and competitiveness throughout the match.

Santos Laguna Key Players

Santos Laguna will heavily rely on Lucas Di Yorio, their top scorer with two goals, to spearhead their offensive strategy against Mazatlán FC. Di Yorio’s clinical finishing ability and instinctive positioning make him a constant threat in the opponent’s penalty area. His partnership with forward Cristian Dájome, known for his pace and dribbling skills, could unlock defensive gaps and create goal-scoring opportunities. In midfield, Carlos Gruezo and Javier Güémez are pivotal, providing both defensive solidity and attacking transitions, essential for maintaining control over the game.

Defensively, Óscar Haret Ortega and Kevin Balanta form a robust central pairing that could prove difficult for Mazatlán FC to break down. Ortega’s aerial prowess and Balanta’s tackling ability will be key in neutralising opposing threats and protecting goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo López. The tactical setup will likely revolve around solidifying the defence while leveraging the attacking trio’s dynamism.

Expected line-up for Santos Laguna:

• Goalkeeper: Carlos Acevedo López
• Defence: Óscar Haret Ortega, Kevin Balanta, Efraín Orona, Emmanuel Echeverría
• Midfield: Carlos Gruezo, Javier Güémez, Fran Villalba
• Forward: Cristian Dájome, Lucas Di Yorio, Ramiro Sordo

Santos Laguna Tactics and Formation

Santos Laguna Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Lucas Di Yorio
• Midfield Dynamics: Cristian Dájome and Carlos Gruezo
• Defensive Challenges: Conceded 17 goals in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing but vulnerable to counterattacks.

Santos Laguna typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to maintain a balance between attack and defence. The midfield trio, including Cristian Dájome and Carlos Gruezo, plays a pivotal role in transitioning the ball forward while providing defensive cover. This setup allows them to press opponents high up the pitch, seeking to disrupt opposition build-up play.

Offensively, Lucas Di Yorio is a key figure, leading the line with support from wingers Fran Villalba and Ramiro Sordo. This attacking trio is tasked with both creating and finishing chances, crucial given the team’s recent struggles in front of goal, as evidenced by their single goal in the last match against Tigres.

Defensively, Santos Laguna face significant challenges, having conceded 17 goals in their last five matches. The backline, featuring Kevin Balanta and Óscar Haret Ortega, has been susceptible to quick counterattacks, which opponents have capitalised on effectively. This lack of defensive solidity has resulted in a failure to keep clean sheets, a critical area they need to address to improve their standing in Liga MX.

Mazatlán FC Analysis & Past Performance

Mazatlán FC’s recent form has been concerning, enduring a five-match losing streak across all competitions. The team suffered defeats in their last five games, including a 1-2 loss against CD Guadalajara and a heavy 1-5 defeat to Monterrey, which highlights their struggles on the defensive end.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Mazatlán FC	CD Guadalajara	1 – 2 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	7 Feb, 2026
Atlas	Mazatlán FC	1 – 0 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	31 Jan, 2026
Mazatlán FC	Monterrey	1 – 5 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	17 Jan, 2026
Puebla	Mazatlán FC	2 – 1 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	13 Jan, 2026
Mazatlán FC	FC Juárez	1 – 2 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	10 Jan, 2026

Recent Form:

• LLLLL

Mazatlán FC’s attack has struggled, averaging just 0.80 goals per game over their last five matches. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 2.40 goals per game, failing to keep any clean sheets during this period. Their away form mirrors these struggles, as they have lost all five of their recent away fixtures. Currently positioned at the bottom of the league table, Mazatlán FC are yet to secure a win in their last ten away matches, which emphasises their need for improvement both defensively and offensively.

Mazatlán FC Suspensions & Injuries

Mazatlán FC’s preparations for the upcoming match against Santos Laguna are somewhat hindered by injuries to Christopher Castro and Fábio Gomes. Both players are considered doubtful, with Castro suffering from a knock and Gomes dealing with a muscle strain. Their potential absence could impact Mazatlán’s tactical flexibility, particularly in the attacking phases where their roles are crucial.

The absence of Fábio Gomes, in particular, might necessitate a reshuffle in the forward line. With Brian Rubio likely leading the attack, Mazatlán FC may rely on Yoel Bárcenas to fill any creative void left by Gomes. This could lead to a more cautious approach, focusing on maintaining possession and controlling the midfield to compensate for the lack of attacking depth.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Christopher Castro	Knock	Doubtful
Fábio Gomes	Muscle strain	Doubtful

Mazatlán FC’s ability to adapt to these injuries will be pivotal in their performance against a formidable Santos Laguna side. The tactical adjustments required could also influence betting markets, as these absences might be perceived as weakening Mazatlán’s chances of securing a favourable result.

Mazatlán FC Key Players

Mazatlán FC will rely heavily on their top scorer, Facundo Almada, who has netted two goals this season. Almada, typically a central defender, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to contribute offensively during set-pieces, making him a dual threat. His defensive prowess and leadership at the back are crucial for maintaining stability against Santos Laguna’s attack.

Expected line-up for Mazatlán FC:

• Goalkeeper: Ricardo Rodríguez Mazzocco
• Defence: Sebastián Santos, Ángel Leyva, Facundo Almada, Lucas Merolla, Mauro Zaleta
• Midfield: Omar Moreno, Édgar Yoel Bárcenas, Jordan Sierra
• Forward: Brian Rubio, Dudu Teodora

Midfield dynamo Édgar Yoel Bárcenas is another key figure, known for his vision and ability to dictate play. His partnership with Jordan Sierra in the centre of the park will be vital for controlling the game’s tempo and transitioning from defence to attack. Up front, Brian Rubio and Dudu Teodora form a dynamic forward pairing, with Rubio’s physicality and Teodora’s flair providing a balanced attacking threat.

In defence, Lucas Merolla and Ángel Leyva will be tasked with supporting Almada in keeping the backline organised. Merolla’s aerial ability and Leyva’s tackling skills will be crucial in repelling Santos Laguna’s forward advances. The tactical impact of these players will likely shape Mazatlán FC’s approach, focusing on solid defence and quick counter-attacks.

Mazatlán FC Tactics and Formation

Mazatlán FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-4-1
• Key Forward: Brian Rubio
• Midfield Engine: Yoel Bárcenas and Jordan Sierra
• Defensive Record: Struggled with zero clean sheets in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Defensive solidity with a focus on counterattacks.

Mazatlán FC’s 5-4-1 formation aims to provide defensive solidity, especially crucial given their recent struggles. The use of five defenders, including the likes of Sebastián Santos and Lucas Merolla, is designed to absorb pressure and cover potential gaps.

In midfield, Yoel Bárcenas and Jordan Sierra play pivotal roles in transitioning the ball from defence to attack. Their ability to maintain possession and release quick balls to the forward line is essential for Mazatlán’s strategy, particularly in counterattacking scenarios.

Offensively, Brian Rubio is the focal point, tasked with capitalising on limited opportunities. Mazatlán’s tactics heavily rely on quick breaks, though their recent inability to keep clean sheets remains a concern, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in their defensive setup.

Santos Laguna vs Mazatlán FC Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Santos Laguna and Mazatlán FC, Santos Laguna have the upper hand with seven wins compared to Mazatlán’s two, and they’ve drawn four times. Their last encounter ended in a 2-2 draw during the Liga MX Apertura, showcasing a closely contested match.

The last time these two met at the Estadio Nuevo Corona, Santos Laguna secured a 1-0 victory in the Liga MX Clausura. Historically, Santos have been strong at home, often managing to keep Mazatlán at bay.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Mazatlán FC	Santos Laguna	2 – 2	Liga MX Apertura	2025-10-22
Mazatlán FC	Santos Laguna	1 – 1	Liga MX Clausura	2025-02-15
Santos Laguna	Mazatlán FC	0 – 0	Liga MX Apertura	2024-10-26
Santos Laguna	Mazatlán FC	1 – 0	Liga MX Clausura	2024-02-26
Santos Laguna	Mazatlán FC	2 – 1	Liga MX Apertura Play-Offs	2023-11-24