Son Heung-min matches exclusive Concacaf Champions Cup record in LAFC's victory

The South Korean forward delivered a standout performance, helping LAFC defeat Real España 6-1 in the tournament opener.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Los Angeles FC defeated Real España 6-1 in the Concacaf Champions Cup, with Son Heung-min delivering a standout performance. The South Korean forward became only the second player in the modern era of the tournament to provide three assists and score a goal in the first half of a Champions Cup match, matching a record set by Argentine forward Franco Jara in 2016. Son's contributions included assisting two goals and scoring a penalty himself in the first half, before being substituted in the second half to preserve his fitness ahead of LAFC's upcoming MLS season opener against Inter Miami.

Why it matters

Son Heung-min's historic performance highlights his importance to LAFC's success, as the club aims to make a deep run in the Concacaf Champions Cup while also preparing for the start of the 2026 MLS season. The match also showcased the depth and talent of LAFC's roster, as they were able to comfortably defeat their Honduran opponents despite resting several key players in the second half.

The details

In the 11th minute, Son assisted David Martinez for the 2-0 lead, and moments later scored a penalty himself to extend the advantage. He then set up Denis Bouanga for the fourth goal and contributed to Timothy Tillman's fifth goal before halftime. After a dominant first half, LAFC slowed down in the second half, allowing Real España to reduce the deficit early on. Coach Marc Dos Santos decided to give several key players rest, including substituting Son in the 62nd minute.

  • On February 18, 2026, LAFC defeated Real España 6-1 in the Concacaf Champions Cup opener.
  • Son Heung-min provided three assists and scored a goal in the first half of the match.

The players

Son Heung-min

A South Korean forward who joined LAFC in a record-breaking transfer in the middle of the 2025 MLS season.

Marc Dos Santos

The head coach of LAFC, who decided to rest several key players in the second half of the match.

Franco Jara

An Argentine forward who previously held the record for most contributions in a single half of a Concacaf Champions Cup match, which Son Heung-min has now matched.

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What they’re saying

“Heung-Min Son is only the second player to provide three assists and score a goal in the first half of a Champions Cup match”

— MisterChip, sports statistics expert (X)

What’s next

Next week, LAFC will face the second leg against Real España in California, aiming to secure qualification to the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup. But before that, they have an even tougher challenge: the MLS 2026 season opener on Saturday against Inter Miami.

The takeaway

Son Heung-min's historic performance in LAFC's Champions Cup victory showcases his importance to the club's success, as they balance their pursuit of continental glory with the start of the new MLS season. The depth and talent of LAFC's roster was also on display, as they were able to comfortably defeat their opponents despite resting key players in the second half.