LAFC and L.D. Alajuelense Draw in CONCACAF Champions Cup
In a gripping encounter at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, LAFC and L.D. Alajuelense finished their match in a 1-1 tie on March 10, 2026. Denis Bouanga netted the equalizer for LAFC in the 56th minute after Alejandro Bran had given Alajuelense the lead just before halftime.
LAFC dominated the match statistically, recording 28 shot attempts compared to Alajuelense’s 4. The home team also had 12 shots on target, while Alajuelense managed only 3. Possession was heavily in favor of LAFC, who held the ball for 76% of the match.
Despite the statistical advantage, LAFC struggled to convert their chances into goals. LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made 2 crucial saves, but it was Washington Ortega of Alajuelense who shone brightest, making an impressive 11 saves and earning the man of the match honors.
The match was part of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16, a stage where both teams aimed to secure a favorable position for the second leg. LAFC will travel to Costa Rica next week to face Alajuelense at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.
Mark Dos Santos, LAFC’s coach, emphasized the importance of handling the first leg effectively, stating, “We have to take care of the first leg in the best way possible to put us in a position to go to a very difficult place.”
Timmy Tillman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for focus in each match, saying, “It would be a great story to win Concacaf for the first time, but I think we just have to focus on every single game. It’s going to happen step by step.”
Historically, LAFC and L.D. Alajuelense last met in the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2023, where LAFC advanced 4-2 on aggregate. This recent tie adds another layer of intrigue to their ongoing rivalry.
As both teams prepare for the decisive second leg, observers are keen to see how LAFC will adapt to the away environment in Costa Rica. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential lineup changes or strategic adjustments for the upcoming match.
