Santos Laguna vs Guadalajara ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for Chivas on Matchday 4 of the Liga MX Apertura 2026. Ricardo Marín’s second-half penalty proved decisive as Guadalajara collected three important points at TSM Stadium.
The result strengthened Guadalajara’s position in the early Liga MX standings, while Santos Laguna were left searching for answers after another difficult domestic performance.
Guadalajara Edge Santos Laguna in Torreón
Guadalajara entered the match looking to build momentum after an inconsistent run across Liga MX and the Leagues Cup. Gabriel Milito’s team controlled important stretches of the game and consistently looked for openings in the Santos defense.
The first half ended without a goal, but Chivas created several promising opportunities. Hugo Camberos was particularly active, coming close twice during the opening 45 minutes.
Five minutes into the match, Luis Romo won possession and played a diagonal ball toward Camberos. The Guadalajara academy product moved into the penalty area before sending his attempt narrowly wide.
Camberos threatened again in the 19th minute when his long-range effort sailed just over Carlos Acevedo’s goal.
Santos Laguna also had opportunities. Jordan Carrillo tested José Rangel with a powerful shot from outside the box in the 31st minute, but the Guadalajara goalkeeper produced a two-handed save.
Santiago Sandoval Wins the Decisive Penalty
The breakthrough finally arrived in the second half.
Santiago Sandoval became the key figure in Guadalajara’s attacking move when he cut inside from the right side in the 54th minute. His effort forced Acevedo into an important save.
Sandoval remained a constant threat and came close again seven minutes later. After receiving a diagonal pass from Luis Romo, he struck a low shot toward the corner, but the attempt went just wide.
His persistence eventually paid off.
In the 74th minute, Sandoval produced another individual run inside the Santos penalty area. After using a feint to get past his marker, he drew a foul and Guadalajara were awarded a penalty.
Ricardo Marín took responsibility from the spot.
The Guadalajara forward stayed composed, sent Acevedo the wrong way and converted to give Chivas a 1-0 lead.
It was the moment that decided the contest.
Santos Laguna Unable to Find an Equalizer
Trailing late in the match, Santos Laguna needed a response, but Guadalajara’s defense remained organized.
Efraín Álvarez tested Acevedo in the 84th minute with a left-footed effort, although the Santos goalkeeper managed to get both hands behind the shot and push it behind for a corner.
Santos continued searching for an opportunity during stoppage time. Rubén González tried a long-range effort in the 94th minute, but his shot missed the target.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 Guadalajara victory.
Santos Laguna vs Guadalajara Score
Santos Laguna 0-1 Guadalajara
Goal: Ricardo Marín, 74′ (penalty)
Competition: Liga MX Apertura 2026
Matchday: 4
Venue: TSM Stadium
Referee: Vicente Jassiel Reynoso Arce
What the Result Means for the Liga MX Standings
The victory was especially valuable for Guadalajara because the club entered Matchday 4 looking to climb the table.
Following the result, Guadalajara moved to seven points from four matches, while Santos Laguna remained on zero points and sat 17th in the early Apertura standings.
For Chivas, the win provides a platform to build on. For Santos, the slow start puts greater pressure on the team to turn its performances into results quickly.
Guadalajara’s Recent Form
Chivas arrived in Torreón with a mixed record but showed signs of improvement.
Their previous five results across competitions were a win against FC Juárez, draws against Puebla and Los Angeles FC, a defeat to FC Dallas and a 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders.
The win over Seattle provided some momentum heading into the Santos Laguna match.
Guadalajara’s five-match run produced five goals while conceding four, highlighting a team that has generally remained competitive even when results have been inconsistent.
Santos Laguna’s Recent Form
Santos Laguna entered the game under considerably more pressure.
Their previous five matches included defeats against Atlas, Club América, New York City FC and Chicago Fire before a 2-0 victory over Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup.
Across those five matches, Santos scored three goals and conceded nine.
The victory over Philadelphia offered some encouragement, but the defeat to Guadalajara means Santos still have significant ground to make up in the Apertura campaign.
Head-to-Head Record Favors Guadalajara
Recent meetings between Santos Laguna and Guadalajara have generally favored Chivas.
The most recent previous Liga MX meeting came on March 14, 2026, when Guadalajara defeated Santos Laguna 3-0 at home.
Before that, Santos Laguna won 1-0 at home in August 2025, while Guadalajara claimed a 1-0 home victory in January 2025.
Across the five most recent Liga MX meetings listed in the supplied records, Guadalajara have three victories, Santos Laguna have one and the teams have drawn once.
The latest 1-0 result therefore continues Guadalajara’s recent advantage in this matchup.
Key Players in Santos Laguna vs Guadalajara
Ricardo Marín
Marín delivered the decisive contribution by converting the 74th-minute penalty. His calm finish from the spot gave Guadalajara the lead and ultimately secured all three points.
Santiago Sandoval
Sandoval played an important role in creating Guadalajara’s breakthrough. His movement and individual skill repeatedly caused problems for Santos, and his second-half run ultimately resulted in the penalty.
Luis Romo
Romo contributed to Guadalajara’s attacking threat with his distribution. His diagonal passes helped create opportunities for Sandoval and Camberos throughout the match.
Carlos Acevedo
Despite Santos’ defeat, Acevedo kept the score close with several important saves. His interventions prevented Guadalajara from extending their advantage.
What’s Next for Guadalajara?
Guadalajara will return home for their next match, with Tijuana scheduled to visit Estadio AKRON on Saturday, August 22.
After earning three points away from home, Chivas will have an opportunity to continue their climb up the Liga MX table in front of their supporters.
The challenge for Milito’s team will be to turn this narrow victory into a sustained run of positive results.
What’s Next for Santos Laguna?
Santos Laguna face a more urgent situation.
With the club still sitting on zero points after four Apertura matches, the upcoming fixtures will be crucial. The team must improve its attacking output while also finding greater defensive consistency.
The 1-0 loss to Guadalajara was another match in which Santos remained competitive for long periods but ultimately failed to produce the goal needed to take something from the game.
Final Takeaway
Santos Laguna vs Guadalajara was ultimately decided by one moment of quality. Santiago Sandoval’s individual work created the penalty, and Ricardo Marín converted from the spot to give Chivas a 1-0 victory.
Guadalajara can take confidence from the result as they continue their Apertura 2026 campaign, while Santos Laguna must quickly find a way to turn their performances into points.
For Chivas, the victory represents an important step forward. For Santos, the early-season pressure is only increasing.
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