LAFC Visits Miami for Crucial Champions Cup Quarterfinal Clash

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF aims for a comeback against LAFC in the decisive Leg 2 of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal series on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium. After losing the first leg 1-0, Miami must score at least two goals to advance, given LAFC’s aggregate advantage.

Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed his team’s determination despite the challenging situation. “This is the most beautiful aspect of soccer: being able to play these types of games,” he said. The team will need to rally without star midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is suspended for the match due to a yellow card accumulation.

“We can’t replace him. He’s irreplaceable,” said Miami midfielder as the team prepares to face LAFC. The absence of Busquets creates a significant gap in Miami’s midfield, a crucial area as they look to exploit LAFC’s defense.

Miami is poised to make history if they advance to the semifinals for the first time. Mascherano believes it’s vital that the team embraces the pressure, stating, “A lot of hope.”

LAFC, led by head coach Steve Cherundolo, enters the match with confidence from their first-leg victory and history on their side. They previously reached the tournament final in 2020 and 2023 and aim to secure their first international title this season.

“We’re not going to come out and defend for 90-plus minutes,” Cherundolo asserted, indicating a proactive approach to the match. The team’s game plan will focus on applying pressure and forcing Miami to defend, which could create scoring opportunities for LAFC.

Last week at BMO Stadium, LAFC’s Nathan Ordaz scored the game’s lone goal, becoming the youngest MLS player to score in back-to-back Concacaf Champions Cup appearances. He hopes to continue his scoring streak in Miami, bolstered by the solid defensive performance that saw LAFC keep a clean sheet against one of the league’s most potent attacks.

Meanwhile, Miami’s high-profile roster, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, remains a formidable challenge. Although Messi was active in their previous match against Toronto, Mascherano pointed out the need for the team to step up collectively in Busquets’ absence.

The winner of this matchup will face either the Vancouver Whitecaps or Pumas UNAM of Liga MX, who are also competing in their quarterfinal. That series is tied 1-1 following the first leg and will conclude the same night.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with coverage available on FS1, TUDN, and ViX. As Miami prepares to host LAFC, the stakes are clear, and fans are expecting an electrifying playoff atmosphere.