LAFC defeats Cruz Azul to advance to Champions Cup semifinals
MEXICO CITY — Denis Bouanga netted a late penalty to secure a 1-1 draw for LAFC against defending champions Cruz Azul on Tuesday, allowing them to progress to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Gabriel Fernandez successfully converted a penalty in the 18th minute, giving the home side an early lead, but Bouanga leveled the score with a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner during stoppage time.
LAFC, which triumphed in the first leg with a 3-0 victory featuring two goals from David MartΓnez, will face the winner of the matchup between Toluca FC and the LA Galaxy.
LAFC is pursuing its third final appearance in the tournament after finishing as runners-up in 2020 and 2023.
Cruz Azul concluded the match with 10 players after Gonzalo Piovi received a red card in the 90th minute.
The Mexican team, a seven-time Champions Cup champion, sought to replicate AmΓ©rica’s achievement, the last club to win consecutive titles in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.
