Santos Laguna Draws 2-2 with Monterrey as Atlas Thrashes Cruz Azul
In the tenth round of the Liga MX Femenil Apertura, two matches reshaped the early‑season table. Santos Laguna managed a 2‑2 dead‑lock against perennial contenders Monterrey, while Atlas delivered a 3‑0 hammering of Cruz Azul. Both outcomes sent ripples through the standings and gave a taste of the competition’s growing unpredictability.
Week 10 Overview
The matches took place on 19 September 2021, the weekend when the Apertura’s second half kicks into high gear. Liga MX Femenil Apertura Week 10Mexico featured four clubs vying for crucial points ahead of the playoff cut‑off in November.
Santos Laguna vs Monterrey: A Thrilling Draw
The clash at Estadio Corona lived up to its billing. Santos opened the scoring in the 12th minute through forward María Vázquez, who sliced a low drive past Monterrey’s keeper. Monterrey answered quickly, equalising with a header from captain Ana López in the 19th minute.
Just before halftime, Santos reclaimed the lead after a swift counter‑attack; midfielder Carla Gómez tucked the ball home from close range. The visitors, however, were not to be denied. In the 78th minute, a well‑placed cross found Patricia Ramos, whose finish made it 2‑2.
Coach Fernando González of Santos Laguna summed up the performance: “We showed we can compete with the best. The loss of points hurts, but the quality of the game gives us confidence.” Monterrey’s coach, Laura Martínez, praised her side’s resilience: “We expected three points, but a draw is still valuable. We’ll learn from the lapses and keep pushing.”
With the draw, Santos moved to 14 points, sitting fifth, while Monterrey climbed to 18 points, maintaining a narrow gap behind league leaders UANL.
Atlas’s Dominant Win Over Cruz Azul
Across town at Estadio Jalisco, Atlas turned the spotlight on themselves with a convincing 3‑0 triumph over Cruz Azul. The home side dictated tempo from the first whistle, pressing high and forcing errors.
Goal 1 came in the 23rd minute when winger Isabel Pérez cut inside and fired a low shot into the bottom corner. The second came just ten minutes later; striker Lucía Ramírez latched onto a cross and finished with a clinical side‑footed strike.
The third was a neat penalty in the 68th minute after Cruz Azul defender Mariana Soto hand‑balled in the box. Atlas captain Sofia Alvarado calmly slotted it home, sealing a win that the club’s fans have been yearning for.
Atlas coach José Herrera called the result “a statement of intent.” He added, “We’ve been working on breaking down defensive blocks; today we proved the plan works.” Cruz Azul’s manager, Marta Gómez, admitted disappointment: “Three goals without reply is painful, but we must regroup and find the missing spark.”
The victory lifted Atlas to 20 points, propelling them into third place and narrowing the gap to leaders by just two points. Cruz Azul, however, slipped to 10 points, hovering just above the relegation‑avoidance zone.
Reactions from Coaches and Players
After the matches, several players took to social media. Santos forward Vázquez posted, “Every point counts. Proud of the fight, hungry for the win.” Monterrey’s López wrote, “We gave our all. Next week we’ll turn the draw into three.” Atlas’ Pérez celebrated, “We showed the league who we are. The hard work is paying off.” Meanwhile, Cruz Azul’s Soto expressed frustration, “We need to fix our defending. The fans deserve better.”
Analysts noted a tactical shift among the top‑four teams, with an increased emphasis on high‑pressing and quick transitions. Former national team midfielder Patricia Gómez commented, “The league is evolving. Teams that can adapt their shape on the fly will dominate the rest of the season.”
Implications for the Apertura Race
Week 10 has effectively narrowed the race for the coveted playoff spots. Monterrey remains in the top two, but Atlas’ three‑point swing puts them within striking distance of the leaders. Santos, despite the draw, kept the pressure on the clubs above them, while Cruz Azul now faces a must‑win scenario in the upcoming fixtures.
Historically, a strong finish to the Apertura correlates with deep runs in the Liguilla. Teams that secure momentum in the latter half of the regular season often carry it into the knockout rounds. Atlas appears to be positioning itself for a surprise playoff run, echoing its 2020‑21 campaign when it upset a higher‑seeded side in the quarter‑finals.
For the league as a whole, the results emphasize growing parity. The gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging clubs is shrinking, a trend that could boost viewership and sponsor interest as the competition heads toward its climax.
Looking Ahead to Week 11
Next weekend’s schedule pits Monterrey against Pachuca, while Santos travels to face Toluca. Atlas will host Club León, and Cruz Azul seeks redemption against Tigres. The outcomes will likely cement or shake the current hierarchy.
Fans can expect tighter defenses and sharper attacking play as teams jostle for the final playoff berths. The league’s official website has already highlighted a series of “match‑day studios” to discuss tactics, offering a deeper look into the strategies shaping the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Atlas’s win affect its chances of reaching the playoffs?
The three‑point victory lifts Atlas to 20 points, placing them third in the table and within two points of the leaders. With only five games left in the Apertura, the win boosts their momentum and puts them in a realistic position to qualify for the Liguilla, especially if they can maintain a strong defensive record.
What were the key moments in the Santos Laguna vs Monterrey draw?
Santos took the lead twice – first through María Vázquez and later via Carla Gómez – while Monterrey equalised in each half, thanks to Ana López’s header and Patricia Ramos’ late strike. The back‑and‑forth nature kept both sides level, with neither able to find a winning goal in the final minutes.
Which teams are currently in the top four of the Apertura?
As of Week 10, the top four are Monterrey (18 points), Atlas (20 points), UANL (22 points) and Santos Laguna (14 points). The rankings are fluid, with each upcoming match having the potential to reshuffle the order.
What does the draw mean for Monterrey’s title aspirations?
Monterrey remains in contention but dropped two points that could have widened the gap to league leaders. The team will need to win most of its remaining fixtures to keep the title chase alive, especially against close rivals like Atlas.
How has the Liga MX Femenil evolved since its inception?
Founded in 2017, the league has grown from a modest start to a fully professional competition with expanding fan bases, higher broadcast ratings, and increased investment from clubs. The competitive balance seen in Week 10 underscores that the league is moving beyond a few dominant teams to a broader, more exciting field.