Santos Laguna hosts Monterrey in northern battle

Published: Friday, 17. February, 2012 in category The View from Mexico

Two of the more successful teams in Mexico in recent years meet Saturday evening in a game that is growing in stature.

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Memories of the Apertura 2010 final are still relatively fresh, when Santos Laguna took a 3-2 lead from the first leg in the Estadio TSM, but lost 3-0 in Monterrey.

The two northern sides are both enjoying good starts to the season, with Santos Laguna in second place on 13 points and Monterrey on 11 points in fourth position.

Monterrey is looking to keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet for the first time in its history, but will have to deal with the considerable attacking talent Santos have to offer, most notably the likely starting group of forwards Oribe Peralta, Carlos Darwin Quintero, Daniel Ludueña and Christian Suarez.

Monterrey´s Chilean striker Humberto Suazo says the team will be going out to attack, in a game that is becoming a mini-clasico for the north of the country.

“I believe that with the players we have, we have to go on the front foot every game, we have a lot of quality,” Suazo told the local press. “That is what has brought us good results and tomorrow (Saturday) won´t be the exception.”

With Santos Laguna known for its attacking intent, the match promises to be end-to-end, between two of the best teams and two teams still in this year´s CONCACAF Champions League.

Suazo added that the game will be a good gauge for the Rayados, as he believes Santos Laguna will be fighting for the title.
Santos Laguna´s owners are making the game a special occasion, with a norteño band to play outside the stadium and two-for-one beer promotions promised.

The full list of games in Mexico this weekend:

Estudiantes Tecos vs. Atlante (Friday, 9 p.m. ET)
Cruz Azul vs. Pumas (Saturday, 6 p.m. ET)
Queretaro vs. Club Tijuana (Saturday, 6 p.m. ET)
Chivas vs. San Luis (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
Santos Laguna vs. Monterrey (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
Tigres UANL vs. Atlas (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
Toluca vs. Jaguares (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Puebla vs. Morelia (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
America vs. Pachuca (Sunday, 5 p.m. ET)