Santos Laguna Triumphs Over Guadalajara in Liga MX Apertura 2025 Matchday 4

Overview

On August 10, 2025, Santos Laguna faced off against CD Guadalajara (Chivas) at Estadio TSM Corona in Torreón, Mexico, in a gripping Liga MX Apertura Matchday 4 encounter. The match, refereed by Ismael Rosario Lopez Penuelas, ended with Santos securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory, thanks to a decisive penalty by Bruno Barticciotto. This win marked a pivotal moment for Santos, who were seeking to rebound from a shaky start to the season, while Chivas faced another setback in their quest for consistency.

Match Summary

The game kicked off at 7:05 PM local time, with both teams entering the match with identical records of 1 win, 0 draws, and 2 losses for Santos, and 1 win, 0 draws, and 1 loss for Guadalajara. The first half was marked by intense competition, with Santos adopting an aggressive high-pressing strategy to disrupt Chivas’ rhythm. The turning point came in the 29th minute when Santos winger Ramiro Sordo was fouled in the penalty area. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Bruno Barticciotto calmly converted, sending Chivas goalkeeper Raúl Rangel the wrong way to give Santos a 1–0 lead.

Chivas responded with increased urgency, dominating possession (62% to Santos’ 38%) and creating several scoring opportunities. However, their efforts were thwarted by Santos’ disciplined defense and goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo, who made crucial saves to preserve the lead. The second half saw Chivas push for an equalizer, with a notable chance in the 73rd minute when a low cross reached the penalty spot, but the shot sailed over the bar. Santos, meanwhile, adopted a compact defensive shape, relying on counterattacks to threaten Chivas. Despite late pressure from the visitors, Santos held firm to secure the victory.

Key Moments

1st Minute: The match began with high intensity, as Fran Villalba (Santos) won a free kick in the defensive half after a foul by Armando González (Guadalajara).
29th Minute: The game’s defining moment occurred when Ramiro Sordo’s daring run into the box earned Santos a penalty after a VAR review. Bruno Barticciotto’s composed finish gave Santos the lead.
45+4th Minute: Guadalajara earned a corner, but Santos’ Javier Güémez cleared the danger, showcasing the hosts’ defensive resilience.
73rd Minute: Chivas’ best chance of the second half came when a low cross found a striker at the penalty spot, but the shot went just over the bar.
Late Saves: Carlos Acevedo’s two vital saves in the final minutes ensured Santos maintained their clean sheet.

Match Statistics

Final Score: Santos Laguna 1–0 Guadalajara
Goal: Bruno Barticciotto (29’ Penalty)
Possession: Santos 39%, Guadalajara 61%
Shots: Santos 6, Guadalajara 10
Shots on Target: Santos 2, Guadalajara 3
Corners: Santos 3, Guadalajara 7
Fouls: Santos 14, Guadalajara 12
Saves: Santos 3, Guadalajara 1
Yellow Cards: None issued

These statistics highlight Chivas’ dominance in possession and chance creation but underscore Santos’ clinical execution and defensive solidity.

Player Performances

Bruno Barticciotto (Santos): The match-winner, Barticciotto was cool under pressure, expertly converting the penalty and posing a constant threat in transition.
Carlos Acevedo (Santos): The goalkeeper’s commanding presence and critical saves in the dying minutes were instrumental in securing the clean sheet.
Ramiro Sordo (Santos): His sharp movement earned the crucial penalty, significantly impacting the game’s outcome.
Fernando Beltrán (Guadalajara): Despite the loss, Beltrán worked tirelessly in midfield, distributing the ball well but lacking the decisive pass.
Ricardo Marín (Guadalajara): Struggled to find space against Santos’ disciplined defense, reflecting Chivas’ broader attacking woes.

Tactical Insights

Santos’ game plan revolved around high pressing in the first half to disrupt Chivas’ build-up play, followed by a pragmatic, compact defensive approach in the second half. Their midfield trio, led by Javier Güémez, effectively cut passing lanes, while the center-back pairing of Bruno Amione and Oscar Ortega excelled in aerial duels and clearances. Chivas, conversely, relied on wing play and late runs into the box but lacked precision in the final third, a recurring issue in their early-season performances.

Fan and Social Media Sentiment

Posts on X reflected the anticipation and excitement surrounding the match. Fans noted Santos’ focus and determination, with one post highlighting the team’s preparation: “Los Guerreros totalmente concentrados en Chivas.” Others praised the competitive nature of the game, with one user commenting, “Con buen o mal futbol, pero al least hoy todos se están partiendo la madre, sobretodo Barticciotto,” emphasizing Barticciotto’s standout performance. Betting enthusiasts also engaged actively, with predictions favoring goals and high action.

Looking Ahead

For Santos Laguna, this victory could be a turning point after a challenging start to the Apertura. The result boosts their confidence as they aim to build momentum in upcoming fixtures. Guadalajara, however, faces mounting pressure to address their finishing issues. Despite creating numerous chances, their inability to convert cost them dearly, and the coaching staff will need to refine their attacking strategy to avoid further slip-ups in the standings.

Conclusion

The Santos Laguna vs. Guadalajara match was a testament to the intensity and unpredictability of Liga MX. Santos’ clinical finishing and defensive resilience outshone Chivas’ possession-based approach, with Bruno Barticciotto’s penalty proving the difference. As both teams move forward, this result will likely shape their approaches in the competitive Apertura 2025 season.