LAFC faces decisive Champions Cup match against Alajuelense in Costa Rica

LAFC and newly appointed head coach Marc Dos Santos look to advance to the quarterfinals with a win or draw in the second leg of their Round of 16 series.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

LAFC and newly appointed head coach Marc Dos Santos face a defining test in Costa Rica tonight, with their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign hanging in the balance. The Round of 16 series is level at 1-1 on aggregate after a one-sided but ultimately frustrating first leg in Los Angeles. The equation is simple - a win sends LAFC through, while any draw other than 0-0 or 1-1 also secures progression. LAFC has reached two Concacaf finals (2020, 2023) but has yet to win the competition, and an early exit would immediately raise questions about continuity and ceiling.

Why it matters

The Concacaf Champions Cup winner secures a place in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, adding long-term weight to each round. LAFC has built a reputation as a contender that fell just short in the competition, and new head coach Dos Santos now inherits that context with the pressure to deliver a title.

The details

In the first leg, LAFC outshot Alajuelense 28-4 but struggled to break down a compact defensive structure anchored by goalkeeper Washington Ortega. Alajuelense's 1-1 draw at BMO Stadium was an ideal result, as they return home with the tie level on aggregate. LAFC has handled this environment before, defeating Alajuelense 3-0 in Costa Rica in 2023, but will be without Steven Eustáquio, removing a layer of control and ball progression in midfield.

  • LAFC and Alajuelense played the first leg of their Round of 16 series on March 15, 2026 in Los Angeles.
  • The second leg will be played on March 17, 2026 in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

The players

Marc Dos Santos

The newly appointed head coach of LAFC.

Denis Bouanga

LAFC's star attacker, who scored the team's only goal in the first leg and is one of the competition's most decisive players.

Washington Ortega

The goalkeeper for Alajuelense, who had a standout performance in the first leg to help his team earn a 1-1 draw.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The winner of the LAFC vs. Alajuelense tie will face either Cruz Azul or Monterrey in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

The takeaway

LAFC has reached the Concacaf Champions Cup final twice before but has yet to win the competition. This match against Alajuelense represents a crucial opportunity for the club, under new head coach Marc Dos Santos, to finally capture the title and secure a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.