Necaxa opened the scoring with an own goal from Santos in the 4th minute during their Jornada 16 match of the Apertura 2025 at Estadio Victoria. The game, played on October 31 at 19:00 hours, pits a Necaxa on the brink of elimination against a Santos with clear Play-In chances. The home team honored Manuel Lapuente with a black ribbon.
The match between Necaxa and Santos, corresponding to Jornada 16 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025, was played on Friday, October 31, at Estadio Victoria in Aguascalientes, starting at 19:00 Central Mexico Time. Referee Jesús Rafael López Valle officiated, with broadcasts on Azteca 7, Claro Sports, Vix Premium, and Claro Sports YouTube.
Necaxa, which no longer controls its own destiny for Play-In qualification and is on the verge of tournament elimination, fielded: Luis Unsain, Oliveros, Jacob, Chicote Calderón, Rossano, Lara, Ante, Palavecino, José Rodríguez, Badaloni, and Diber Cambindo. The home team wore a black ribbon in honor of legend Manuel Lapuente, as announced on social media: "This tonight we will wear a black ribbon during the #NECvsSAN, in memory of a Necaxa legend, the great Manuel Lapuente. #GraciasManolo".
Santos, tenth in the table with 17 points and holding clear chances for the repechaje, lined up Carlos Acevedo, Amione, Abella, Ortega, Balanta, Güemez, Mariscal, Palacios, Villalba, Sordo, and Ocejo. The Warriors aim to secure victory at all costs. In the buildup, Santos fans supported the team in Aguascalientes, posting: "We're already in Aguascalientes. How nice to see us again #GuerrerosSinFronteras".
The score opened early: in the 4th minute, an own goal by the Warriors gave Necaxa the lead. Previously, Necaxa beat San Luis with a last-minute goal from Diber Cambindo, while Santos dominated Querétaro. Per Caliente.mx, Necaxa was favored at -189 to win, draw +345, and Santos win +450.
Club Necaxa also paid tribute to Lapuente with a cartoon: "Thanks, Manuel Lapuente. With affection and respect for a historic figure in Mexican football and Club Necaxa".