The Liga MX Apertura 2025 is entering its decisive stage, and the upcoming clash between Santos Laguna and Querétaro promises to be a key battle in the race for the play-in spots. The match will take place at the Estadio TSM Corona on Sunday, October 24, with both sides level on points and eager to climb the table. Historically, Santos have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning 20 of the 41 meetings, while Querétaro have claimed 12 victories. At home, the Torreón side have been particularly strong, taking 13 wins from 22 encounters against the Gallos Blancos. With both teams struggling for consistency but still within reach of the top ten, this encounter could prove decisive for their postseason hopes.

Santos Laguna: Home Strength and Defensive Solidity

Santos Laguna enter this fixture sitting 13th in the Liga MX table with 14 points from 4 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses. Their recent form shows signs of improvement, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in their last five matches. In midweek action, they were close to securing an away victory at Mazatlán before conceding late to draw 2-2. Despite that setback, their home form remains encouraging: Santos have won their last two matches at the TSM Corona without conceding a goal, showing renewed defensive discipline.

Under coach Pablo Repetto, Santos have relied on a blend of youth and experience. Goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo anchors the defense alongside Bruno Amione, Javier Bella, and Kevin Balanta. In midfield, Javier Güemez and Kevin Palacios provide balance and creativity, while the attack is led by Barticciotto and Ocejo. The standout performer, however, has been Colombian midfielder Cristian Dajomé, who leads the team with four goals this season. Santos have scored an average of 1.2 goals per game while conceding 1.6, and they have not drawn any of their last 16 home matches—a sign that games in Torreón tend to produce decisive outcomes.

Statistically, Santos are a team that tends to produce action after the break: Over 0.5 goals in the second half have been recorded in 21 of their last 23 league matches. However, their inconsistency at halftime remains an issue, having lost the first half in 6 of their last 10 fixtures. The challenge for Santos will be maintaining their defensive focus while converting their home advantage into another crucial win.

Querétaro: Momentum After a Key Win

Querétaro arrive in Torreón buoyed by a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Guadalajara in their last outing, a result that ended Chivas’ winning streak and lifted the Gallos Blancos to 14th place—just behind Santos on goal difference. Their recent record mirrors that of their opponents, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in their last five matches. Over the course of the season, Querétaro have also collected 4 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses, averaging 1.1 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per match.

Coach Mauro Gerk has built a side that mixes experience and youth. Veteran goalkeeper Alison provides leadership from the back, supported by defenders Diego Reyes and Santiago Homechenko. In midfield, Zapata and Bogarín offer energy and control, while in attack, Titi Rodríguez and young striker Ávila lead the line. Experienced players like Pablo Barrera and Omar Mendoza add depth and composure from the bench. Despite their struggles away from home, Querétaro have shown resilience, though they have lost at halftime in 9 of their last 12 away matches, a trend they will need to reverse to get a result in Torreón.

Querétaro’s matches tend to be open affairs, with Over 0.5 goals scored in each of their last 37 Liga MX games. However, their defensive fragility has often cost them points late on. The team’s main goal will be to maintain the compactness that earned them victory over Chivas and to capitalize on counterattacks against a Santos side that often leaves space when pushing forward.

Santos Laguna vs Querétaro: Tactical Overview and Prediction

Both teams come into this match with identical records and similar ambitions: to stay alive in the race for the play-in. Santos Laguna will rely heavily on their home form and the creativity of Dajomé to unlock a Querétaro defense that has been inconsistent throughout the campaign. The Gallos Blancos, on the other hand, will look to frustrate their hosts and strike on the break through Rodríguez and Ávila.

Historically, this fixture has been competitive, but recent meetings have favored Querétaro, who have won four of the last five encounters, including a 2-1 victory in April 2025. Still, Santos’ recent home performances suggest they are capable of turning the tide. Given both teams’ scoring averages and defensive vulnerabilities, goals are likely, though not necessarily in abundance. The match could hinge on which side manages to control the midfield and avoid costly errors in the final third.

With both sides averaging just over one goal per game and conceding nearly two, the encounter is expected to be tight and tactical. Santos’ home advantage and Querétaro’s renewed confidence after beating Chivas make for an intriguing balance. However, the statistics point toward a match where both teams find the net, given their recent scoring patterns and defensive lapses.

Santos Laguna vs Querétaro prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is Over 2.5 goals with a 57% probability.