CONCACAF Champions League Final: Club León ahead after first leg
"La Fiera" defeated LAFC 2-1 in the first leg, although they left goals on the table. A last-minute goal gives hope to the Los Angeles-based team.
(YouTube / Concacaf)
The first game of the CONCACAF Champions League final ended in a 2-1 victory for Club León against Los Angeles FC. The fans of the Mexican team coached by Argentine Nicolás Larcamón celebrated the victory in style, even though they knew that the championship is still up in the air.
"It was important to win, and we did. That feeling of the last goal remains, but we still showed what a team we can be. I'm left with that confidence and the away games we've played against big rivals, and this will be no exception," said Club León's technical director after the game.
"La Fiera" took an early lead. Only seven minutes into the game, Colombian defender William Tesillo headed in a cross from the corner to make the score 1-0. It was an unstoppable shot for LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy.
Before the end of the first half, Colombian striker Angel Mena, who was named Man of the Match, made it 2-0 with a penalty kick. Club León's halftime lead reflected their clear dominance on the field.
At the start of the second half, Club León continued to dominate. But as time ticked away, that superiority was reduced, and LAFC began to cause danger. "La Fiera" did not take advantage of their chances to extend their lead, and in the end, it was their opponents who capitalized.
With just seconds left before the referee blew the final whistle, Gabonese striker Denis Bouanga scored after a beautiful play by LAFC to put the final score at 2-1. The goal gives LAFC life heading into the final leg.
This Sunday, the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final will be played at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The aggregate score of the two games will determine who succeeds the Seattle Sounders as champions.
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