LAFC Advances to CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals After Controversial Match Stoppage

Homophobic chants from Cruz Azul fans forced a temporary halt to the quarterfinal second leg match.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of LAFC and Cruz Azul, conveying the intensity and drama of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal match.A fractured, Cubist depiction of the intense CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal between LAFC and Cruz Azul, capturing the match's dramatic moments and high emotions.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles FC defeated defending champions Cruz Azul 4-1 on aggregate to advance to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. The second leg match in Puebla, Mexico was briefly stopped in the second half due to repeated homophobic chants from the Cruz Azul supporters, in line with anti-discrimination protocols. LAFC held on to secure the victory, with Denis Bouanga scoring a late penalty to seal the win after Cruz Azul had taken an early lead.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges soccer organizations face in addressing discriminatory fan behavior, which can disrupt matches and mar the sport's reputation. LAFC's progression to the semifinals also continues their quest for their first CONCACAF Champions Cup title after previous final appearances.

The details

LAFC won the first leg 3-0 at home, giving them a comfortable aggregate lead heading into the second leg. In the return match, Cruz Azul struck first with a penalty from Gabriel Fernández in the 18th minute, but LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made several key saves to keep his team in front. Late in the game, Bouanga converted a penalty to make it 1-1 on the night and seal LAFC's 4-1 aggregate victory. The match was briefly stopped in the second half due to homophobic chants from the Cruz Azul supporters, in line with CONCACAF's anti-discrimination protocols. Cruz Azul finished the match with 10 men after Gonzalo Piovi was sent off in stoppage time.

  • The match was played on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The game was stopped in the 57th minute due to the homophobic chants.
  • LAFC's first-leg win was on April 8, 2026.

The players

Hugo Lloris

The veteran LAFC goalkeeper who made several key saves to preserve the aggregate lead.

Denis Bouanga

The LAFC forward who scored the late penalty to seal the victory.

Gonzalo Piovi

The Cruz Azul player who was sent off in stoppage time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to disrupt matches with discriminatory behavior. This is unacceptable and goes against the values of our sport.”

— Ivan Barton, CONCACAF Referee

What’s next

LAFC will face the winner of the LA Galaxy vs. Toluca quarterfinal in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges soccer organizations face in addressing discriminatory fan behavior, which can disrupt matches and undermine the sport's values of inclusion and respect. LAFC's progression to the semifinals also demonstrates their continued growth as a force in CONCACAF club competition.