CONCACAF Champions Cup: Bouanga strikes in heated LAFC-Alajuelense draw

Denis Bouanga spared the blushes of Los Angeles FC on Tuesday as the Major League Soccer title contenders were held to a 1-1 first leg draw by visitors LD Alajuelense in the CONCACAF Champions Cup’s Round of 16.

Bouanga finds the equalizer! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jkWgoiF8iX

— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) March 11, 2026

LAFC’s star forward was on hand to fire in a second half equalizer but the pressure will be on the MLS club next week in Costa Rica, where they will need to get a result in Central America to earn a quarterfinal place.

Alejandro Bran’s excellent strike from long distance in the first half gave Alajuelense a valuable away goal, which serve as the tie-breaker in the competition. A scrappy defensive effort in the first half got the visitors into the match at BMO Field in Los Angeles before Bran’s effort went beyond the dive of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris close to halftime.

¡Bran saca un derechazo que termina en la red! 💥 pic.twitter.com/F1eWRwFU5n

— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) March 11, 2026

Having been in control throughout most of the half, LAFC increased their efforts in the second half and Bouanga’s equalizer came at a good moment. Son Heung-Min’s low pass across the Alajuelense penalty area rolled Amin Boudri and the Gabonese forward smashed his effort past Washington Ortega in goal.

But the hosts could not find a second goal, setting up an intriguing second leg in Costa Rica. Los Angeles are in the midst of a busy patch of matches early in the 2026 season but have looked excellent in MLS play. They are perfect through three matches and have not allowed a goal, including in a 3-0 shutout against defending champions Inter Miami and Lionel Messi.

Bouanga continues to be an influential force with 5 goals and 2 assists in 6 matches. Next up is a home match against St. Louis City on Saturday before the Champions Cup return leg next Tuesday.