LAFC DEFEATS TIGRES IN DECISIVE LEAGUES CUP SHOWDOWN, KEEPS KNOCKOUT HOPES ALIVE

Under the bright lights and charged atmosphere of BMO Stadium, LAFC fought tooth and nail to keep their Leagues Cup dreams alive, securing a crucial 2–1 victory over Tigres UANL in the final match of Phase One. The win keeps the Black and Gold’s hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds intact, though the path remains narrow, as only four of the 18 Liga MX and MLS teams in each bracket will progress.

The stakes were high: Tigres entered the match as the eight-time Liga MX champions and leaders in the group, boasting six points from two games. LAFC, sitting at three points after a penalty shootout win over Pachuca, knew that anything less than a full three points would spell the end of their campaign. Memories of past heartbreaks against Tigres loomed large, losing the 2020 Concacaf Champions League final 2–1 after leading, and falling 4–2 in penalties at the 2023 Campeones Cup.

The opening whistle at 7:40 p.m. marked the beginning of a tense, possession-heavy performance from Tigres, who controlled 80% of the ball in the early stages. LAFC’s David Martínez had the first chance at 7 minutes, but his shot veered wide. The visitors were relentless, with André-Pierre Gignac narrowly missing twice and forcing multiple defensive fouls.

LAFC’s Hasal was the hero of the first half, pulling off a string of crucial saves, stopping a dangerous Correa strike at 22’, and denying multiple Tigres efforts in rapid succession. A turning point came in the 33rd minute, when Gorriarán conceded a penalty after a foul in the box. Before the kick could be taken, Tigres’ Diego Lainez picked up a yellow card for dissent.

Martínez stepped up confidently and buried the spot-kick, igniting the home crowd. LAFC went into halftime ahead 1–0, thanks to Hasal’s heroics and gritty defending.

Tigres wasted no time equalizing, with López heading home in the 47th minute after sustained pressure. But LAFC responded with composure. In the 63rd minute, Martínez struck again, left unmarked and facing only the keeper, he coolly slotted the ball into the left side of the net to reclaim the lead.

The remainder of the match was an exercise in survival for LAFC. Hasal continued his masterclass in goal stopping attempts from distance, close-range headers, and one-on-one situations. Coach adjustments saw LAFC bring on defensive reinforcements, determined to protect their lead against Tigres’ late onslaught.

Even deep into stoppage time, Tigres threatened, Lopez’s 91st-minute strike from the center of the box was yet another denied by Hasal’s outstretched hands.

When the referee blew for full time, the scoreboard read 2–1 to LAFC. The win not only gave them revenge for past losses to Tigres, but also kept them in contention for a knockout berth.

From the stirring pre-match anthems by Ramón Piña and Raúl Cuéllar to the roars of the 3252 supporters’ section, where honorary falcon Mario Castro stood proudly, this was a night that reminded LAFC fans what belief looks like. The road ahead is uncertain, but the Black and Gold live to fight another day in the Leagues Cup 2025.

Written by: Ana Oquendo

Photographed by: Steven Esperanza