Liga de Expansión Clausura Matchday 3: Mineros Zacatecas Host Atletico La Paz in Early Season Showdown
An early crucial encounter in the Liga de Expansión MX Clausura 2026 season sees Mineros Zacatecas host Atletico La Paz. Both teams are eager to secure a strong position in the league standings, and the outcome of this match will significantly impact their momentum for the remainder of the season. A competitive fixture is anticipated, with both sides looking to claim a vital victory.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This match is a pivotal fixture in the third round of the Liga de Expansión MX Clausura 2026 season, with Mineros Zacatecas hosting Atletico La Paz at Estadio Carlos Vega Villalba. The Liga de Expansión MX serves as Mexico's second-tier football league, where promotion and relegation to Liga MX are currently suspended until the 2026-27 season. Consequently, teams primarily compete for the league championship within this division.
As the Clausura season is still in its early stages, both teams are keen to accumulate points to secure a strong position for the knockout phase (Liguilla). Early unofficial standings indicate Mineros Zacatecas are currently fifth with 3 points, while Atletico La Paz sit in second place with 4 points, showcasing positive starts for both clubs.
Recent Form
Mineros Zacatecas have shown mixed form in their last five official matches. Their most recent Clausura fixture resulted in a 1-2 loss to Dorados de Sinaloa on January 17, but they secured a convincing 4-1 victory against Tlaxcala on January 10. Prior to these, they experienced a 0-4 loss to Atletico San Luis (January 3), and two draws against Irapuato (2-2 on November 16 and 1-1 on November 13).
Atletico La Paz have displayed a relatively stronger run of form over their last five encounters. They recently secured a 3-0 away win against Correcaminos UAT on January 17, following a 2-2 draw with Tapatio on January 10. Earlier results include a 0-6 loss to Atlante FC on November 8, a 1-0 victory against Tepatitlan on November 1, and a 2-2 draw with Irapuato on October 25.
Key Players & Injury News
For Mineros Zacatecas, midfielder Pablo Padilla and defender Anderson Villacorta are considered key components of the team's system, having recently extended their contracts until 2028. Forward Mauro Pérez is also a significant attacking threat. There are currently no specific recent injury reports concerning major players within the Mineros Zacatecas squad.
For Atletico La Paz, Martin Barragan stands out as a primary goalscorer, having netted 11 goals in previous seasons. Oscar Millan and Daniel Alvarez are also vital offensive players. Regarding injuries, Daniel Alvarez has previously suffered a sprained knee, and Fernando Illescas has also had a knee injury, though it is unclear if these injuries will sideline them for this particular match.