This Wednesday at Field 5 of Territorio Santos Modelo, the Guerreros defeated Mineros de Zacatecas from the Liga de Expansión MX by a score of 3-1 in their first preparation match ahead of the Apertura 2026 Tournament and the 2026 Leagues Cup. The match was played in three 30-minute periods.

The verdiblanco team started this match with Héctor Holguín; Javier Abella, Geovanni Pérez, Bruno Amione, Emmanuel Echeverría; Carlos Gruezo, Salvador Mariscal, Joshua Mancha, Diego González, Ezequiel Bullaude, and Eduardo Aguirre. The first period ended in a goalless draw.

For the second period, coach Renato Paiva made a substitution, sending Fran Villalba onto the field in place of Joshua Mancha.

The first albiverde goal came in the 34th minute. Fran Villalba appeared on the right side and delivered a diagonal pass to Ezequiel Bullaude, who positioned himself in the area to push the ball into the back of the net.

In the 41st minute, the Guerreros extended their lead through Eduardo Aguirre. The play developed on the left side, where Emmanuel Echeverría sent a precise diagonal pass for "El Mudo" to finish inside the area.

Minutes later, Sergio Barajas; Kevin Picón, Kevin García, Efraín Orona, Juan Carlos Echilvestre; Aldo López, Javier Güémez, Diego Medina, Luis Ángel Gómez, and Tahiel Jiménez entered the field.

Near the end of the second period, the verdiblanco squad extended their lead with the third goal of the afternoon. Juan Carlos Echilvestre recovered a ball when the opposing goalkeeper attempted to start a play; subsequently, the ball landed at the feet of Tahiel Jiménez, who, after positioning himself in the area, scored to make his mark on the scoreboard.

In the closing moments of the match, Alberto Ocejo replaced Fran Villalba, José Ulloa came on for Juan Carlos Echilvestre, and Joshua Mancha returned to the field, substituting Diego Medina.

Mineros reduced the deficit on the scoreboard with a penalty kick in the final moments.

Lucas di Yorio, Kevin Balanta, and Ramiro Sordo did not participate as they are still recovering from muscular issues.

Meanwhile, Franco Pardo carried out specific training to physically catch up with the rest of the squad.

The Guerreros will return to training this Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at Territorio Santos Modelo. Later, the team will travel to Mexico City as part of the logistics before their trip to the United States.

On Friday, Santos Laguna will begin their journey to Baltimore, Maryland, where they will carry out the next phase of their preseason.