Denis Bouanga's late penalty secures 1-1 draw, ensuring 4-1 aggregate victory over defending champions
Category: Sports
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup on April 14, 2026, after drawing 1-1 with Cruz Azul, culminating in a convincing 4-1 aggregate victory over the defending champions at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico.
The match started with Cruz Azul needing at least three goals to advance, and they took the lead in the 18th minute when Gabriel Fernández converted a penalty kick. The penalty was awarded after a foul by LAFC’s Sergi Palencia during a corner kick.
Throughout the match, Cruz Azul dominated possession, holding more than 70 percent of the ball. This pressure forced LAFC into a defensive stance, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris delivering an outstanding performance. Lloris recorded eight saves, including key stops against Carlos Rotondi in the 73rd minute and Agustín Palavecino in the 89th minute. His eight saves marked the most he has made in a single match across 102 appearances for LAFC in all competitions.
The game took a dramatic turn in the second half. In stoppage time, Cruz Azul defender Gonzalo Piovi received a red card for a reckless challenge on Bouanga, leaving the home team with ten men. Shortly thereafter, Cruz Azul centerback Willer Ditta was penalized for a handball in the box, leading to a penalty kick for LAFC.
Denis Bouanga, who has emerged as a key player for LAFC, stepped up to convert the penalty in the 90+7th minute, equalizing the match at 1-1. This goal was Bouanga’s 15th in just 20 career Champions Cup appearances, making him the top scorer in the competition over the last four years (2023-2026).
LAFC’s aggregate victory of 4-1 was bolstered by their strong performance in the first leg, where they had won 3-0 at home. This advancement marks LAFC’s third trip to the Champions Cup semifinals in just four appearances in the tournament, having previously reached this stage in 2020 and 2023. The club has finished as runners-up twice, in 2020 and 2023, and is eager to capture its first title.
Following the match, LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos expressed pride in his team’s resilience against a formidable opponent. “I know we eliminated a great club, a great champion, and a team that gave us a lot of trouble. Qualifying was tough,” he said. “Now there are no favorites. Everyone who makes it to the semifinals is strong.”
With this victory, LAFC will next face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Deportivo Toluca FC and LA Galaxy, with Toluca currently holding a 4-2 lead on aggregate heading into their decisive second leg on April 15, 2026. The dates for the semifinals are set for April 28-30 for the first legs and May 5-7 for the second legs, with the final scheduled for May 30, 2026.
LAFC’s strong performance in the quarterfinals has solidified their status as a dominant force in the tournament. They have now recorded an impressive all-time record in Champions Cup quarterfinal matches of 4 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, scoring 14 goals and conceding only five.
In addition to Bouanga’s stellar performance, the match highlighted the challenges faced by Cruz Azul, who, with 31 shots, were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Their effort was commendable, but they were thwarted repeatedly by Lloris, whose saves were described as game-changing. Cruz Azul’s coach, Nicolás Larcamón, acknowledged the impact of Lloris, stating, “Today we had 31 shots, we faced a world champion goalkeeper who prevented us from having a great night.”
As both teams prepare for their upcoming matches, LAFC will return to MLS action this weekend, hosting the San Jose Earthquakes on April 19, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time at BMO Stadium. Fans can catch all MLS matches live on Apple TV, with local radio coverage available on ESPN LA 710 AM and other platforms.
With the semifinals on the horizon, LAFC looks to build on their success and strive for their first Champions Cup title, a goal that has eluded them in previous years. The anticipation for the next matches is building, as the club aims to continue its impressive run in this prestigious tournament.