Santos Laguna is set to host FC Juárez this Sunday as part of Jornada 3 of La Liga MX, amidst a challenging start to their Clausura 2026 campaign. The match will see the return of Pedro Caixinha, the Bravos’ coach and a significant figure in Santos Laguna’s history, having led the team in two separate tenures.
Caixinha first took the helm in November 2012, marking his entrance into Mexican football. Under his leadership, Santos Laguna experienced a golden period, securing a Liga title, the Copa MX, and the Campeón de Campeones in just two and a half years. His accomplishments have cemented his reputation as one of Mexico’s finest coaches, with his name memorialized on the championship wall of TSM, where three stars commemorate his achievements.
In December 2021, after stints with Cruz Azul and Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia, Caixinha returned to Santos Laguna for the Clausura 2022 season. However, his second tenure was brief and tumultuous, lasting only six matches in which he secured two draws and suffered four losses. His exit was catalyzed by a challenging period in the CONCACAF Champions League, where he tested positive for COVID-19 just before a critical match against CF Montréal, which resulted in a harsh 3-0 defeat, leading to his dismissal while he was still in isolation.
Reflecting on his time at Santos, Caixinha noted that it was the shortest tenure he had experienced in an institution, feeling particularly abandoned during his illness, yet he chose to approach his challenges with resilience and professionalism. This upcoming match against FC Juárez allows him to return to a venue filled with memories and affection from fans who hold deep respect for the club’s most successful coach.
As Santos Laguna seeks to turn around its fortunes, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the team performs against a familiar face in Caixinha, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football and the emotional connections it forges.