February 25 – Los Angeles FC return home for the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup tie knowing that only an upset of epic proportion will stop them advancing to the last 16 after a 6-1 demolition of Real CD España in Honduras last week.
The Black and Gold were in imperious form in what was their first competitive game of the season, and seem to be enjoying life under their new head coach, Marc Dos Santos.
The forward pairing of Son Heung-Min and Denis Bounga was unstoppable, with the latter bagging a hat trick. The formula was familiar, high pressing, quick ball circulation, and ruthless efficiency in transition, aligned with clinical finishing
Real España is one of Honduras’ most decorated clubs, and will want to show more fight, discipline, and game savvy than they demonstrated last week. They are physical and dangerous on set pieces. If España can frustrate the hosts and capitalize on moments of transition, belief will grow. An early goal is simply a must if they are to put any kind of doubt in the minds of the home side, who are playing at BMO Stadium for the first time this season.
At the weekend, LAFC played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, beating Lionel Messi’s, Inter Miami 3-0, so they come into the 2nd leg having scored nine in two games.
The winner of this two-legged affair will meet Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelensein.
Los Angeles FC (USA) vs Real CD España (HON) — Second Leg (6-1 agg)