LAFC Makes Statement in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Venezuelan clubs shine in opening rounds of Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:11am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors, breaking down a CONCACAF Champions Cup match between LAFC and Cruz Azul into sharp, overlapping geometric planes to conceptually represent the competitive energy and shifting power dynamics in football across the Americas.The CONCACAF Champions Cup clash between LAFC and Cruz Azul is captured in a dynamic cubist painting, reflecting the competitive intensity and shifting power dynamics in football across the Americas.Los Angeles Today

LAFC defeated Cruz Azul 3-0 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, while other CONCACAF results saw Club America draw 0-0 with Nashville SC and Tigres defeat Seattle Sounders 2-0. In the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, Venezuelan clubs had an impressive opening round, with La Guaira, Universidad Central, Carabobo, Caracas FC, and Puerto Cabello all earning positive results against their more financially powerful opponents from Brazil and other countries.

Why it matters

LAFC's dominant win over Cruz Azul, the defending CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, sends a strong message about their ambitions in the tournament. The performance of the Venezuelan clubs in the opening rounds of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana is also noteworthy, as it showcases the potential of the country's domestic league despite the ongoing political and economic challenges.

The details

LAFC led 3-0 against Cruz Azul, with Venezuelan David Martinez Morales scoring twice. Cruz Azul controlled possession but couldn't find the back of the net. In other CONCACAF results, Club America drew 0-0 with Nashville SC, while Tigres defeated Seattle Sounders 2-0 at home. In the Copa Libertadores, Venezuelan clubs La Guaira and Universidad Central earned draws against Fluminense and Libertad respectively, while in the Copa Sudamericana, Carabobo, Caracas FC, and Puerto Cabello all earned wins over their Brazilian opponents.

  • LAFC defeated Cruz Azul on April 11, 2026.
  • The opening round of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana took place this week.

The players

Heung-min Son

South Korean and Tottenham Hotspur legend who believes he can win the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

David Martinez Morales

Venezuelan player who scored twice for LAFC in their 3-0 win over Cruz Azul.

Jefferson Savarino

29-year-old Venezuelan winger who plays for Fluminense and recently refused a call-up to the Venezuelan national team, facing criticism from captain Salomon Rondon.

Wilfred Correa

20-year-old player who scored the opening goal for Caracas FC in their draw against Botafogo.

Joel Graterol

Former Venezuelan international goalkeeper who played well in Puerto Cabello's 2-1 win over Atletico Mineiro.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The results in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the opening rounds of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana showcase the growing competitiveness of teams from outside the traditional powerhouses. LAFC's dominant win over Cruz Azul and the impressive performances of Venezuelan clubs against their more financially advantaged opponents are signs that the balance of power in the Americas region may be shifting.