Monterrey and Santos Laguna both came into this match needing a win, as both teams had gone six matches in Liga MX play without a win. And while Santos Laguna’s Concacaf Champions League dream had ended in the semifinals against Tigres UANL, Monterrey at least had an overwhelming 10-2 aggregate victory to fall back on in order to keep the wolves of disgruntled fanbases at bay.
Santos have not looked convincing away from home this season, and they were in the unfortunate position of having to get a win in the Estadio BBVA Bancomer in order to put themselves back into the race for the Liguilla.