LAFC Looks to Eliminate Reigning Champions Cruz Azul in Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals

The MLS powerhouse holds a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the second leg in Mexico.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a soccer match between two teams, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors representing the dynamic action on the field.The high-stakes Champions Cup quarterfinal clash between Cruz Azul and LAFC is captured in a cubist, geometric style that reflects the intensity and strategic complexity of the match.San Jose Today

Reigning Concacaf Champions Cup holders Cruz Azul host LAFC on Tuesday night in the second leg of the quarterfinals, needing to produce a special performance to keep their title defense alive. LAFC destroyed the Liga MX giants 3–0 in the first leg at BMO Field a week ago, showcasing their attacking firepower and cementing their status as arguably the best team in MLS and North America.

Why it matters

This high-stakes matchup between the MLS and Liga MX powerhouses will determine who advances to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. LAFC is looking to continue its dominant run, while Cruz Azul is fighting to save its title defense after a recent winless streak in domestic play.

The details

Playing in their temporary home of Puebla, Mexico, away from their fortress in Mexico City, Cruz Azul are obligated to show fighting spirit to try and erase the three-goal deficit. But with La Máquina going all-out-attack, LAFC will like their chances of punishing them on the counter to bag an all-important away goal that all but guarantees their place in the semifinals.

  • The second leg quarterfinal match will take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • LAFC won the first leg 3-0 at BMO Field on April 8, 2026.

The players

Marc Dos Santos

The head coach of LAFC, who has led the team to cement its status as arguably the best in MLS and North America.

Nicolás Larcamón

The manager of Cruz Azul, who is firmly on the hot seat after the team's recent winless streak in domestic play.

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What’s next

The winner of this quarterfinal matchup will advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.

The takeaway

This high-stakes clash between the MLS powerhouse LAFC and the reigning Concacaf Champions Cup holders Cruz Azul will showcase the growing rivalry and competitiveness between the two leagues, as LAFC looks to cement its status as the best team in North America by eliminating the Mexican champions.