LAFC VS. MAZATLÁN: A THRILLING LEAGUES CUP SHOWDOWN AT BMO STADIUM

On July 29, 2025, BMO Stadium hosted an intense clash between LAFC and Mazatlán FC as part of the third annual Leagues Cup, an exciting tournament that brings together the top teams from MLS and Liga MX, the two premier North American soccer leagues. This year’s competition features only the 18 MLS playoff teams from last season facing off against Liga MX’s best, adding extra stakes and intensity to every match.

Last year, LAFC made it all the way to the Leagues Cup final, powered by Denis Bouanga, the tournament’s all-time leading goal scorer. With that momentum, LAFC entered this year’s competition as a favorite, eager to prove their dominance once again.

The 2025 edition of the Leagues Cup has undergone significant format changes designed to ramp up the competition. In Phase 1, each club plays three games against opponents from the other league, with no draws allowed. The four best teams from each league automatically advance to the quarterfinals, making every game critical. A single slip could mean elimination. Across ten days, the tournament will host 54 games, interspersed with regular season play for both leagues.

This cross-border rivalry has intensified the ongoing debate over which league is truly superior, making every contest between MLS and Liga MX teams a must-watch event.

Mazatlán came into the match under new management, having recently appointed experimental coach Robert Dante Siboldi. The Mexican side has ambitions of advancing beyond the league’s mid-table and capturing their first-ever title, deploying an aggressive 3-4-3 formation to pressure opponents.

The game kicked off at 7:40 PM with Mazatlán immediately asserting control, dominating early possession with 66% in the first minutes. They pushed quickly into LAFC’s box but failed to convert any early chances. LAFC fought back with several close attempts, Yeboah’s near miss and David Martínez’s shots hitting the woodwork. Eventually, the LA team was successful in scoring a beautiful goal from the left side of the box in the 29th minute.

Mazatlán quickly responded as Brazilian forward Fabio Gomes scored a controversial goal checked by VAR for offside but ultimately allowed. The first half saw back-and-forth action, with LAFC gaining more dangerous opportunities toward the end, including a spectacular save from Mazatlán’s goalkeeper Rodríguez denying Ebobisse’s one-on-one chance.

The second half saw several substitutions on both sides as the match’s intensity grew. LAFC brought on Denis Bouanga, their star striker, hoping to tip the scales. Mazatlán responded by rotating in key players to maintain pressure.

Despite multiple attempts from both sides, including shots from Benedetto and Hernández for Mazatlán and persistent efforts by LAFC’s Amaya and Martinez, neither team could find the back of the net. As the clock ticked toward injury time, fatigue and desperation led to a looser, more chaotic style of play, with players falling and time wasting becoming apparent.

With the score tied at the end of regulation, the match headed to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Both teams showcased resilience, but Mazatlán prevailed, capitalizing on Bouanga’s missed penalty. LAFC fell just short after the crucial miss.

Looking ahead, LAFC will face tough matchups against Pachuca and Tigres UANL as they continue their Leagues Cup journey. With the tournament guaranteeing spots in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup for the top three finishers, every game remains a high-stakes battle.

This match encapsulated everything the Leagues Cup represents, fierce cross-border competition, high stakes, and unforgettable soccer moments. Fans can expect even more thrilling action as the tournament progresses toward its August 31 final.

Written by: Ana Oquendo

Photographed by: Steven Esperanza