Santos Laguna
Hometown: Torreón, Mexico
Stadium: Nuevo Estadio Corona
Manager: Ruben Omar Romano
Qualification Method: Mexican 2010 Clausura runners-up
Champions League Appearances: 1; 2008-’09 semifinals
Honors: 1996 Invierno, 2001 Verano & 2008 Clausura Mexican league champions
One of Mexico’s strongest clubs and current Mexican Apertura leaders, Santos features an explosive attack that has proven it can score at will. In fact, they have scored three or more goals in four of their first six matches – all victories – in all competitions between the Mexican Apertura and the Champions League preliminary round.
The speed of Colombian Carlos Darwin Quintero and Ecuadorean Christian Benitez, the latter fresh off a recent loan spell at Birmingham City, is what makes Santos so deadly. Experienced Mexican national team midfielder Fernando Arce, the skilful Juan Pablo “El Chato” Rodríguez, as well as crafty lefty Argentine Daniel Ludueña are also a critical part of their attacking game. This is an ambitious and established side, backed by a major corporation, which is on the hunt for trophies as they enter another season at its newly constructed stadium, the Estadio Corona.
