LAFC Hosts Cruz Azul Amid Historic Winning Streak in Champions Cup Opener

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 7, 2026 10:39 PM ET

Los Angeles FC prepares to host Cruz Azul at BMO Stadium on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The match will air on TUDN and FS2.

In the Champions Cup opener, LAFC hosts Cruz Azul while riding a historic winning streak. The stakes are high in this quarterfinal first leg.

Recent form and momentum

LAFC comes off a 6-0 victory over Orlando City last Saturday. Denis Bouanga scored a hat-trick and Son Heung-min supplied four assists.

The club reached a 10-game unbeaten run for the first time in its history. After six rounds, LAFC leads the MLS Western Conference.

LAFC also became the first MLS team to begin a season with six straight clean sheets. Confidence within the locker room is high.

LAFC advanced in dramatic fashion. David Martínez scored in stoppage time to decide the return leg against LD Alajuelense.

Cruz Azul reached this stage by eliminating Monterrey. The Mexican side arrives as the defending tournament champion.

Cruz Azul has seven regional titles and is considered one of the competition’s most decorated clubs. Their pedigree shapes expectations for the tie.

The clubs met in December 2020 in Orlando’s Exploria Stadium bubble. Carlos Vela converted a penalty and Kwadwo Opoku added a goal.

That single-match quarterfinal ended 2-1 for LAFC. The upcoming clash will be a two-legged tie.

LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos warned that Cruz Azul offers greater dynamism. He expects many individual duels along the field.

Dos Santos credited collective defending and the leadership of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The team emphasizes structure when out of possession.

Cruz Azul coach Nicolás Lacarmón called the matchup demanding. He said both sides have deep squads and significant investment in players.

Forward Nico Ibáñez expects an even series. He noted that the level of signings on both sides will make the tie competitive.

A strong Cruz Azul support is expected inside BMO Stadium. The second leg will take place next week in Puebla’s Estadio Cuauhtémoc.

The aggregate winner advances to the Champions Cup semifinals. They will face the victor of Toluca versus the LA Galaxy.

The tournament champion will qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029. Both teams know the long-term prize is substantial.

Filmogaz.com will follow developments and provide updates after the first leg. Expect a tightly contested series over both matches.