LAFC and LD Alajuelense Draw 1-1 in CONCACAF Champions Cup
In a tightly contested match at BMO Stadium on March 10, 2026, LAFC and LD Alajuelense played to a 1-1 tie in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16. LAFC dominated the game with 31 shot attempts, while Alajuelense managed only 4.
Denis Bouanga scored the equalizer for LAFC in the 56th minute after Alejandro Bran had given Alajuelense the lead with a goal in the 43rd minute. Despite LAFC’s offensive pressure, which included 13 shots on target compared to Alajuelense’s 3, they were unable to secure a victory.
LAFC’s Hugo Lloris made 2 crucial saves during the match, but it was Washington Ortega, Alajuelense’s goalkeeper, who stood out with 12 saves, earning him the man of the match title. The match saw a total of 11,275 spectators in attendance, who witnessed a game where LAFC held 76% of the possession.
LAFC’s performance was characterized by their passing accuracy, completing 788 passes compared to Alajuelense’s 224. This match marked the first goal conceded by LAFC since February 17, 2026, highlighting a significant moment in their campaign.
Marc Dos Santos, LAFC’s coach, expressed confidence despite the draw, stating, “Draws like this, nine out of 10 times we’re going to win games like that.” His player, Denis Bouanga, added, “We have confidence to go there. We have our heads up.”
Ryan Hollingshead acknowledged Alajuelense’s effort, saying, “I don’t want to not give [Alajuelense] credit. I think they worked really hard. They created nothing.” This sentiment reflects the overall dynamic of the match, where LAFC’s offensive prowess was evident.
Historically, LAFC faced LD Alajuelense in the second leg of the Round of 16 in 2023, winning that match but failing to advance due to a 4-2 aggregate scoreline. This context adds weight to the upcoming second leg in Costa Rica, where LAFC will seek to secure their advancement in the tournament.
As the teams prepare for the second leg, observers will be keen to see how LAFC adjusts their strategy in response to this draw. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes in player lineups or tactics for the upcoming match.