Scanning the Liga MX standings reveals few surprises, with Club América leading the pack while Monterrey and Cruz Azul position themselves firmly in the playoff picture. However, one traditional Mexican powerhouse has fallen conspicuously down the rankings, prompting questions about their sudden decline. Tigres currently sit in 15th place with just four points from five matches, their worst start in recent memory.
The club has undergone significant transformation during the summer months. Manager Guido Pizarro stepped down at the end of July, just before Leagues Cup competition began. Sources indicate personal reasons drove his departure, though a misalignment with the front office apparently played a role. Compounding the managerial change, Tigres have been actively shedding their most recognizable talent rather than building around established stars.
How to watch Santos Laguna vs. Tigres
Date: Saturday, August 29 | Time: 11:10 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Corona — Torreón, Mexico
TV: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Odds: Santos Laguna +340; Draw +270; Tigres -140
Club legend André-Pierre Gignac has moved on, and rising star Ángel Correa, initially viewed as the heir apparent to fill the void left by Gignac’s eventual departure, departed for River Plate. Despite clear deficiencies in the attack and an open transfer window, the club made no moves to address these gaps. Such decisions would frustrate any manager, particularly one leading a club with Tigres’ storied history and championship expectations.
As Liga MX considers transitioning to a franchise model resembling Major League Soccer’s structure, the absence of relegation pressure raises questions about club investment strategies. Saturday’s opponents, Santos Laguna, find themselves in similarly dire straits without a win through five fixtures, setting the stage for a match where desperation will likely define both sides.
Failure to secure victory in another home fixture would only accelerate Tigres’ descent in the standings. While prematurely dismissing their playoff hopes would be unwise, another disappointing result would leave them dangerously close to that reality as scrutiny on the club intensifies.
