Santos vs. Atlas: First Match After Seven Years of Brotherhood Comes to an End

The Seven-Year Brotherhood: A Unique Chapter in Liga MX

From May 2019 to June 2026, Santos Laguna and Atlas FC operated under a single ownership group — Grupo Orlegi. This multi-club ownership model, common in European football but rare in Mexico, created a unique dynamic where two historic clubs shared resources, players, and sporting projects.

A Tale of Two Clubs, One Ownership

During these seven years, the clubs never met in a knockout stage — a remarkable coincidence. Both advanced to the liguilla simultaneously only during the Clausura 2021 and Apertura 2021 tournaments, but their paths never crossed in elimination rounds.

The head-to-head record tells a story of absolute balance:

| Period | Santos Wins | Atlas Wins | Draws |

|--------|------------|-----------|-------|

| 2019–2026 | 4 | 4 | 6 |

Santos dominated early, going undefeated across five matches from Apertura 2019 to Clausura 2022. Atlas responded with their best run between Clausura 2023 and Apertura 2024, collecting two wins and two draws.

The Player Pipeline

Atlas was the primary beneficiary of the relationship, receiving 10 players from Santos. The most impactful arrivals included:

In contrast, only a handful of players moved from Atlas to Santos, most with limited impact — Brayan Garnica, Aldo López, and others who never fully established themselves in Torreón.

The Transition

With the sale to Grupo PRODI, three players' rights remained under Grupo Orlegi's control:

Fans Celebrate the New Era

Meanwhile, Santos Laguna management announced a special gesture for season ticket holders: each abonado will receive a complimentary companion ticket for the match against Atlas, emphasizing gratitude for fan loyalty as the club embarks on this new independent chapter.

> *"We want to compensate your loyalty in this new era for the team,"* the club stated in an official communication. *"We are starting a new adventure at home, and we know that counting on our fans is essential."*

When did the Santos-Atlas brotherhood begin and end?

The shared ownership by Grupo Orlegi started in May 2019 and ended in June 2026 when Atlas was sold to Grupo PRODI.

What was the head-to-head record during those seven years?

In 14 Liga MX regular season matches, both clubs won 4 times each, with 6 draws — a perfectly balanced record.

Did Santos and Atlas ever meet in a liguilla?

No. Despite both advancing to the postseason simultaneously in Clausura 2021 and Apertura 2021, they never faced each other in knockout rounds.

Which club benefited more from the shared ownership?

Atlas benefited significantly more, receiving 10 players from Santos — including key figures who helped end a 70-year title drought and achieve back-to-back championships.

What happens to players who were under contract during the ownership transition?

Players like Rivaldo Lozano remain with Atlas under the new administration. Others like Eduardo Aguirre, Diego González, and Luis Gamboa had their rights retained by Grupo Orlegi and may move to Santos.

The Santos vs. Atlas rivalry enters uncharted territory. After seven years of shared ownership, this match is a genuine test of each club's independent strength.

Do you think multi-club ownership is good for Liga MX? Should more teams share resources, or does it create an uneven playing field? Share your thoughts below!

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