Sporting Gijón Opens Preseason in Mexico Against Santos Laguna
Spain’s Sporting Gijón has begun its pre-season journey in Mexico, heading south to kick off preparations for the new campaign. The Asturias club is scheduled to face Santos Laguna in a warmup clash at the Corona Stadium in Torreón, a venue familiar to North American fans and well known for its vibrant matchday atmosphere.
This overseas pre-season leg serves as the initial real test for Sporting as they build momentum after a challenging finish to the previous season in the Segunda División, where the team ended 17th and missed the promotion mix. The objective this time is clear: regain momentum, refine tactical plans, and restore confidence across the squad and among supporters. Training in a different climate and against a strong Liga MX side offers a valuable opportunity to measure fitness, improve on-field harmony, and explore a fresh approach to the game that Liga MX teams often bring to the table.
Head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez will command almost a full squad for the match, with a few exceptions due to travel logistics and medical considerations. Paul Valentin joined the group after entering service, Gio Zarfino trained separately as part of the preparation, and Axel Bamba faced administrative hurdles that kept him from joining the on-field activities during this phase. Despite these absences, Ramírez can still assemble a competitive lineup and evaluate a broad pool of players who are eager to impress during the pre-season tour.
The meeting with Santos Laguna presents a practical challenge against a solid Mexican side. Rotating lineups and testing different roles across various phases of play will help the coach gauge how the team adapts under pressure and how new ideas translate to real match scenarios. For fans in Canada and the United States, the match offers a chance to watch a European club sharpen its game abroad, with North American broadcast options that keep supporters connected as preparations unfold. The Corona Stadium, renowned for its passionate supporters and electric atmosphere, provides an ideal backdrop for Sporting Gijón to glimpse how it plans to re-enter the league race with renewed ambition. (Goal)