Leon vs Santos Laguna First Leg – December 5, 2013 – Prediction, TV Schedule, and Highlights

December 4, 2013 10:12 pm Modified date: December 5, 2013 10:08 pm

The Leon vs Santos Laguna first leg semifinal match will take place this Thursday, December 5, 2013 (7:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Nou Camp. This ‘liguilla’ game between ‘panzas verdes’ and ‘laguneros’ will be a close contest between two teams who are equally favored to reach the Apertura 2013 final. Leon finished the season in 3rd place, while they defeated Morelia in the quarterfinals with an aggregate score of 7-3. Meanwhile, Santos finished the season in 2nd place, while they defeated Queretaro in the quarterfinals with an aggregate score of 6-3.

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The team coached by Gustavo Matosas has been extremely successful upon the return of Leon to the first division three seasons ago. In that short time, the team from Guanajuato has reached the semifinals twice, where in their first appearance they were eliminated by eventual champs, Xolos of Tijuana (Apertura 2012). In that occasion, Xolos finished the season in 2nd place, meaning the first leg was to be played at the Estadio Nou Camp. While the first leg was won by Leon 2-0, the ‘esmeraldas’ were surprised in Tijuana and lost the series 3-2.

Today, Matosas has a much more experienced and talented squad, and while they face similar characteristics as in that semifinal against Xolos, this time it is their opportunity to succeed. Leon has to play an offensive game at home because they have scored 9 goals in their past two games there, meaning, they have to take advantage of their home strengths.

Santos Laguna only lost two games throughout the Apertura 2013; against Chiapas, and the other against Leon. The team coached by Pedro Caixinha does not have a tremendous defense; however, offensively they have have scored the most goals if we combine the league and playoffs. The team from the ‘Comarca Lagunera’ will have a tremendous exam while in Leon, because they face a team that is defensively and offensively powerful. But, as Leon is a title contender, Santos has done the same, if not more merits to defeat the ‘panzas verdes’ in this semifinal.

Leon vs Santos Laguna Prediction

The Leon vs Santos Laguna first leg match will be played offensively by Leon, and on the counter-attack by Santos. While Leon was a top defense during the regular season, it is good to note that they have scored 9 goals in their past two games at home. With that in mind, coach Matosas has to take advantage of the good offensive results at home.

Leon and Santos are two very evenly matched opponents who have great talent, great fans, and great coaches. The first leg match will be intense, with few goals as the game will be decided in Torreon. The Leon vs Santos Laguna match will end in a 1-1 tie.