The History of the Monterrey vs Santos Rivalry
Monterrey and Santos are two of the most successful teams in the Liga MX, Mexico’s top professional football league. They have faced each other many times over the years, and their matches have often been intense and highly competitive. The rivalry between these two clubs dates back to the early days of Mexican football, when Monterrey and Santos were both founding members of the league. Since then, they have played each other more than 100 times, with each team winning their fair share of matches.
The Teams’ Recent Form
Both Monterrey and Santos have had their ups and downs in recent seasons. Monterrey has been one of the most consistent teams in the league, finishing in the top four for the past five seasons. They won the Apertura title in 2019 and reached the final of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2019 and 2020. Santos, on the other hand, has struggled to find form in recent years. They finished 11th in the Apertura 2020, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in six years.
Key Players to Watch
Both Monterrey and Santos have some talented players who could make a big impact in their upcoming matches. Monterrey’s attack is led by Rogelio Funes Mori, who has scored more than 100 goals for the club since joining in 2015. He is supported by wingers Maxi Meza and Avilés Hurtado, who provide pace and creativity on the flanks. Santos’ standout player is Eduardo Aguirre, who has been in excellent form this season, scoring five goals in 10 appearances.
The Importance of Home Advantage
Both Monterrey and Santos have strong home records, and playing in front of their own fans gives them a significant advantage. Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA Bancomer is one of the most modern and impressive stadiums in the league, with a capacity of over 50,000. Santos’ Estadio TSM Corona is smaller, with a capacity of just over 30,000, but it is known for its raucous atmosphere and passionate fans. When these two teams meet, the home team usually has the edge.
Predictions for the Upcoming Matches
It’s always difficult to predict the outcome of a Monterrey vs Santos match, as both teams have a lot of quality and are capable of winning on their day. However, Monterrey’s recent form and home advantage make them slight favorites to come out on top. That being said, Santos will be desperate to bounce back from their disappointing Apertura campaign and could cause an upset if they play to their potential.
