Miami Seeks Redemption Against LAFC in Champions Cup Semifinal Showdown

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami CF will face LAFC in the decisive second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal series on Wednesday, April 9, at Chase Stadium, following a close encounter that left Miami trailing 1-0 on aggregate.

Miami’s hopes rest on a motivated squad looking to overturn the deficit at home. Herons head coach Javier Mascherano, expressing confidence, said, “When I was a player at least, what gave meaning to this profession were games like the one we have tomorrow.” Mascherano, a former Argentina international, emphasized the importance of the moment, adding, “This is the most beautiful aspect of soccer: being able to play these types of games.”

Despite the optimism, Miami will be missing a critical player. Star midfielder Sergio Busquets is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, creating a significant void in the squad. Fellow midfielder Yannick Bright noted, “We can’t replace him. He’s irreplaceable. It’s teamwork that will help us cope.”

Miami, the defending champions who claimed the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, are one match away from achieving their best-ever performance in the Champions Cup. “To advance would be a historic achievement for the club,” Mascherano acknowledged.

LAFC, with a deeper history in the Champions Cup, aims to solidify their advantage after their 1-0 win at BMO Stadium last week. Head coach Steve Cherundolo insisted his team would not adopt a defensive mindset. “Certainly, it’s not our idea to come out and defend for 90-plus minutes,” Cherundolo stated. The focus remains on maintaining offensive pressure on Miami.

In the first leg, LAFC achieved a significant milestone by shutting out Messi and Miami for the first time in 2025. “Stopping Messi has never been an individual effort, it’s always a collective effort,” Cherundolo remarked.

LAFC leads with a single goal, and the away goals tiebreaker poses a significant challenge for Miami; they must score at least three to advance unless the match extends to extra time.

The stakes are high, with the winner set to face either Vancouver Whitecaps FC or Pumas UNAM in the semifinals. Miami will rely on its home-field advantage and experienced players, while LAFC seeks to maintain their strong defensive form. Expect a thrilling encounter on Wednesday evening.