atl. san luis - guadalajara: First-half rally leaves Liga MX match level

Atl. San Luis vs. Guadalajara delivered early drama Saturday evening, with both sides trading goals in a tight first half that had the score 1–1 before the break. The outcome matters for the early Clausura table: Guadalajara entered the weekend perfect through three matches, while Atlético San Luis were looking to add another statement result at home.

A separate note hovered over the build-up: published kickoff details varied across team schedules this week, and the match has been listed with different dates and times in different places. The live match window reflected a 6:00 PM ET start on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in San Luis Potosí.

atl. san luis - guadalajara: How the first half unfolded

Guadalajara struck first, taking a 1–0 lead in the 31st minute through Richard Ledezma. Atlético San Luis responded quickly, equalizing five minutes later when João Pedro converted a penalty in the 36th minute to make it 1–1.

The pace of the opening period reflected the stakes: Guadalajara’s early-season momentum met a San Luis side that has shown it can punish mistakes and play aggressively in transition. With the match level late in the half, the tactical question became whether Guadalajara would keep pressing high for a second goal or manage the game more cautiously to avoid giving San Luis space behind the back line.

Match snapshot at the latest update

What the 1–1 start means

A draw at this stage would feel different for each club. For Guadalajara, even a single point keeps the unbeaten start intact and maintains their position near the top, but it would also end the perfect run that set the early pace in the Clausura. For Atlético San Luis, taking points off the early leader would reinforce their credibility after an uneven opening stretch and would help stabilize their place in the mid-table pack.

The quick equalizer also shifts the pressure. Once the home side cancels an opening goal, the next mistake can decide the night—especially in a match where both teams have shown they can create chances without long spells of possession.

Players shaping the night

João Pedro’s penalty finish underscored his importance to Atlético San Luis: when the attack is humming, he’s often the one turning moments into goals. On the other side, Ledezma’s opener highlighted how Guadalajara can generate danger through smart movement and late arrivals into space rather than relying on a single focal point.

From the defensive perspective, the key stretch is the first 15 minutes after halftime. If Guadalajara can re-establish control and limit transitions, their structure usually tilts matches their way. If San Luis can keep breaking lines and forcing set pieces, the home crowd and momentum can become a factor.

What to watch after halftime

Three themes stood out heading into the second half:

• Discipline in the box: After a penalty decides an equalizer, both defenses tend to get more cautious—sometimes too cautious, inviting pressure.

• Midfield control: Guadalajara’s best path is to slow the game, force longer possessions, and prevent San Luis from turning recoveries into immediate counters.

• Bench impact: If legs fade, a well-timed substitution—especially wide pace—can flip the match quickly.

If the match stays level deep into the second half, the risk profile changes. Guadalajara may accept a point away from home to protect their early standing, while Atlético San Luis may push harder for a signature win, particularly if the game state stays open and chances keep coming.

Sources consulted: Liga MX, Atlético de San Luis (official club site), Guadalajara (official club site), ESPN