How it unfolded
On March 17, 2026, the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica, was the stage for a crucial second leg in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, where L.D. Alajuelense hosted LAFC. The first leg had ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a tense encounter where LAFC needed to score to avoid elimination and push the match into extra time.
The match kicked off with high intensity, and just four minutes in, Santiago van der Putten put L.D. Alajuelense ahead, scoring the opening goal and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. This early goal put LAFC on the back foot, needing to respond quickly to stay in the competition.
As the match progressed, LAFC struggled to find their rhythm but managed to regroup. In the 51st minute, Nathan Ordaz found the back of the net, equalizing for LAFC and bringing the aggregate score to 2-2. This goal was crucial for LAFC, as it shifted the momentum of the match back in their favor.
Despite the equalizer, LAFC faced a challenging second half. In the 88th minute, they came close to taking the lead when they hit the crossbar, a moment that could have changed the course of the match. However, the team remained persistent and continued to press forward.
In a dramatic turn of events, David Martínez scored the winning goal for LAFC in the 92nd minute, sealing the match with a score of 2-1. This late goal not only secured the victory for LAFC but also ensured their advancement to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, with an aggregate score of 3-2.
The significance of this match extends beyond the scoreline. For LAFC, advancing to the quarterfinals represents a step closer to their goal of winning the prestigious tournament. Meanwhile, L.D. Alajuelense, despite a valiant effort, will reflect on the match as a missed opportunity to progress further in the competition.
Looking ahead, LAFC is set to face Austin FC on March 21, 2026, followed by a return to BMO Stadium on April 4, 2026, to take on Orlando City. The team’s recent performance in the Concacaf Champions Cup will undoubtedly bolster their confidence as they continue their campaign in both domestic and international competitions.