LAFC Faces Inter Miami in Crucial Champions Cup Quarterfinal Rematch

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Major League Soccer’s LAFC will travel to South Florida to face Inter Miami CF on April 9 at Chase Stadium, looking to secure a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. LAFC currently leads the two-leg quarterfinal series with an aggregate score of 1-0 after a narrow victory in Los Angeles.

The first leg at BMO Stadium ended in a 1-0 win for LAFC, thanks to a goal from Nathan Ordaz in the 57th minute. The young Academy product has now scored in consecutive Champions Cup appearances, solidifying his role as a key player for LAFC.

“We have to maintain the same intensity and tactics in Miami,” said LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead. “Limiting their chances was crucial last game, and we need to replicate that to advance.”

The aggregate scoreline plays a significant role, as LAFC will advance if they score at least once in the second leg. If they do, Miami would then need to score three or more goals to secure a spot in the semifinals.

LAFC faced Miami last week without key player Sergio Busquets, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. This absence has left Miami needing to rely on other midfielders, including Yannick Bright and Federico Redondo, to fill the gap against LAFC’s competitive defense.

“It’s a big blow for us,” said Miami coach Javier Mascherano about Busquets’ suspension. “But we have depth in our roster and believe we can adapt.”

Both teams are coming off challenging league matches; LAFC showed resilience despite a 1-0 loss to Houston, while Miami drew 1-1 with Toronto. Mascherano maintained a strong squad against Toronto after their previous match against LAFC, demonstrating his trust in his star players like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.

Messi, who was held scoreless in the first leg, remains a focal point for Inter Miami, having scored in every game prior to facing LAFC. His playoff experience has made him a critical asset in high-stakes matches.

“We know our jobs. It’s about adapting and taking our chances,” Messi commented. “We’re confident about the second leg and playing in front of our fans.”

LAFC, a club with two previous championship appearances in 2020 and 2023, is looking to make another deep run in the Champions Cup. The club’s current trajectory is crucial for their aspirations, especially after a rocky few weeks.

In terms of historical performance, LAFC boasts an impressive record against Miami, with three wins out of four all-time encounters, all of which were shutouts.

The upcoming match will be streamed live on TUDN, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

For those interested in attending, tickets are still available for the crucial showdown. Fans are optimistic about seeing their team at home, especially with the weight of the series resting on this match.