LAFC Crushes Real España 6-1
LAFC demolished Real España 6-1 in the Concacaf Champions Cup first leg, with Denis Bouanga completing a hat-trick (3', 24', 71'). David Martinez (11'), Son Heung-min (22'), and Timothy Tillman (39') also scored, while Real España's Jack Jean Baptiste replied at 51'.
- This match was the opening fixture of the 2026 season for LAFC and the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup first-round tie. The decisive victory in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, gives the MLS side a commanding lead ahead of the second leg at BMO Stadium on February 24. - Son Heung-min orchestrated the attack, providing a hat-trick of assists and scoring a penalty all before halftime. The South Korean star also created five chances, more than any other player in the match. - This was LAFC's first-ever match against a Honduran opponent and only their second against a Central American team in the competition's history. For Real España, it was their 18th appearance in the tournament. - The goal from Venezuelan forward David Martínez was his first in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Timothy Tillman's creative backheel goal was also his first in the competition. - LAFC has a strong history in this tournament, having reached the final in two of their previous three appearances (2020 and 2023). - The winner of this two-legged tie on aggregate goals will advance to the Round of 16 to face Costa Rican club Alajuelense.
