Santos Laguna vs Necaxa Match Recap - Jan 11, 2026

Necaxa Dominates Santos Laguna in a 3-1 Victory, Shifting Momentum in Liga MX

Necaxa's decisive 3-1 victory over Santos Laguna marks a significant turning point for both teams in the Liga MX Clausura. This match not only extends Necaxa's recent resurgence but also highlights Santos' ongoing struggles, particularly in defense and discipline.

Necaxa's offensive prowess was on full display, with Agustín Oliveros and Tomás Badaloni finding the net early, establishing a commanding lead within the first 14 minutes. This early scoring set the tone for the match, allowing Necaxa to dictate play and capitalize on Santos' defensive lapses. The visitors' ability to convert their chances was evident, as they managed to score three goals despite having fewer total shots (11) compared to Santos (13). This efficiency underscores a critical aspect of their game: making the most of limited opportunities.

Santos Laguna's performance was marred by inconsistency and a lack of cohesion. Despite controlling 54% of possession and completing more passes (324 to 282), they struggled to translate this dominance into meaningful scoring chances. Their inability to finish was evident, as they only managed four shots on target compared to Necaxa's five. This pattern of failing to capitalize on possession has plagued Santos throughout the season, reflecting a deeper issue in their attacking strategy.

The red card issued to José Abella in the 52nd minute further compounded Santos' woes. Playing with ten men against a confident Necaxa side proved detrimental, as it allowed the visitors to exploit the extra space and maintain control of the match. Santos' defensive frailties were exposed once again, as they conceded a penalty in stoppage time, which Julián Carranza converted to seal the victory for Necaxa. This incident not only highlights Santos' disciplinary issues but also their inability to maintain composure under pressure.

Recent form reveals stark contrasts between the two teams. Santos entered this match with a mixed bag of results, including a recent win against Pachuca but also a heavy defeat to Necaxa just weeks prior. Their last five matches show a team struggling to find consistency, with six wins, two draws, and nine losses overall this season. The psychological impact of their previous encounter with Necaxa likely weighed heavily on them, as they failed to overcome the mental hurdle of past failures.

In contrast, Necaxa's recent performances have shown signs of improvement. Following a chaotic loss to Atlas, they bounced back with a friendly win against León and now this crucial victory over Santos. Their last five matches reflect a more stable trajectory, with four wins and five draws overall this season. The confidence gained from these results is palpable, suggesting that they are beginning to find their rhythm at a critical juncture in the season.

Badaloni emerged as a key figure for Necaxa, continuing his impressive form after scoring in their previous encounter against Santos. His ability to find space and create opportunities has been vital for Necaxa's attack. Meanwhile, Santos will need to reassess their strategy moving forward, particularly in how they manage games when under pressure. The reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play has proven costly.

Looking ahead, Santos Laguna faces Toluca next, where they must address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a way to convert possession into goals if they hope to turn their season around. Meanwhile, Necaxa will host Monterrey, aiming to build on this momentum and solidify their position in the standings.

This match serves as a stark reminder of the importance of discipline and execution in football. For Necaxa, it is a moment of triumph that could signal a turning point in their season. For Santos Laguna, it is a wake-up call that highlights the urgent need for improvement if they wish to avoid further descent into the relegation battle.