LAFC Advances to CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals

Late Penalty from Denis Bouanga Secures Draw Against Defending Champions Cruz Azul

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting in vibrant blues, whites, blacks, and golds, depicting the chaotic action of a high-stakes soccer match between two teams, their players and the ball fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes.LAFC's dramatic comeback against defending champions Cruz Azul showcases the team's determination to finally capture the elusive CONCACAF Champions Cup title.Los Angeles Today

LAFC advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals after a 1-1 draw against defending champions Cruz Azul on Tuesday. Denis Bouanga scored a late penalty to equalize after Gabriel Fernandez had given the home team an early lead. Cruz Azul was reduced to 10 men late in the match as their title defense came to an end.

Why it matters

LAFC is aiming for its third final in the CONCACAF Champions Cup tournament after losing in the championship deciders in 2020 and 2023. The win over the seven-time champions Cruz Azul is a significant achievement for the MLS side as they continue their pursuit of the elusive continental title.

The details

LAFC won the first leg 3-0 with two goals from David Martinez, giving them a comfortable aggregate lead heading into the second leg. In the return match, Gabriel Fernandez converted a penalty kick in the 18th minute to put Cruz Azul ahead. However, Denis Bouanga equalized with a late penalty in stoppage time to secure the draw and LAFC's advancement to the semifinals. Cruz Azul finished the match with 10 men after Gonzalo Piovi was sent off in the 90th minute.

  • LAFC won the first leg 3-0 on April 11, 2026.
  • The second leg was played on April 15, 2026.

The players

Denis Bouanga

LAFC forward who scored the late equalizing penalty to send his team to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals.

Gabriel Fernandez

Cruz Azul player who scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in the 18th minute.

Gonzalo Piovi

Cruz Azul player who was sent off in the 90th minute, contributing to his team's elimination from the tournament.

David Martinez

LAFC player who scored two goals in the first leg to give his team a comfortable aggregate lead.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This win is a big step for us towards our goal of winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup. We showed great resilience to come back and secure the draw.”

— Denis Bouanga, LAFC Forward

What’s next

LAFC will face the winner of the series between Toluca FC and LA Galaxy in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals.

The takeaway

LAFC's victory over the defending champions Cruz Azul demonstrates the team's growth and ambition to win the prestigious CONCACAF Champions Cup title, which has eluded them in previous attempts.