Key Highlights:
Los Angeles, April 3, 2025 ( LAFC vs Inter Miami ): Under the dazzling lights of BMO Stadium, where celebrity royalty like Stephen Curry, Lionel Richie, David Beckham, and Becky G shared space with football icons like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Hugo Lloris, it was an unlikely name that emerged as the headline-maker: Nathan Ordaz.
The 21-year-old striker fired LAFC to a 1-0 win over Inter Miami in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal, but not without controversy.
First Half: Inter Miami Dominate Possession but Fail to Capitalize
Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami came out looking sharp and controlled over 58% possession in the first half. But LAFC’s structured defense, anchored by veteran Hugo Lloris, kept the visitors from registering clear-cut chances.
Lloris, who hadn’t faced Messi since the 2022 World Cup final, once again came out on top with a pivotal save to deny the Argentine from a free kick.
However, the half was marred by a controversial flashpoint involving Ordaz. The young striker, filling in amid a depleted LAFC attack, was involved in two incidents with Maximiliano Falcón, including an elbow challenge and an alleged kick. VAR reviewed the incidents, but only a yellow card was issued—leaving Miami fans and players in disbelief.
Second Half: Ordaz Redeems, LAFC Strike First
Despite the first-half controversy, Ordaz made the most of his continued presence, skipping past Sergio Busquets with ease and unleashing a stunning low strike from outside the box. Oscar Ustari, Miami’s new goalkeeper, was unable to reach the near-post effort.
LAFC’s aggression paid off as Miami’s aging midfield core struggled to keep up. Late efforts from Messi and Suárez fell short, and LAFC’s defense held firm to carry a crucial lead into the second leg.
Player Ratings – Inter Miami
Goalkeeper & Defense
- Oscar Ustari (5/10): Solid save early, but poor near-post positioning on Ordaz’s winner. Missed chance to impress over benched Drake Callender.
- Gonzalo Luján (8/10): Stellar defensive presence with 5 tackles and complete duels in the first half. A bright spot.
- Maximiliano Falcón (7/10): Composed, aggressive, and unlucky not to see Ordaz carded off for his challenges.
- Noah Allen (6/10): Average game but involved in 10 duels, showing effort.
- Jordi Alba (6/10): Tidy passer (92.5% accuracy), but rarely got forward.
Midfield
- Fafà Picault (5/10): Energetic but ineffective. Ran plenty but lacked final product.
- Yannick Bright (7/10): Controlled the tempo early but faded late. Replaced by Redondo.
- Sergio Busquets (5/10): Passed well but too slow in transition. Partially to blame for the goal.
- Telasco Segovia (4/10): Below his season standards. Struggled physically.
Attack
- Lionel Messi (6/10): Swarmed by LAFC’s defense. Had two free-kick chances—one saved, one missed.
- Luis Suárez (3/10): Lacked pace, struggled to make an impact. A liability against high-tempo sides.
LAFC’s Defensive Discipline Shines
- Hugo Lloris led a backline that absorbed pressure and neutralized Messi’s threat.
- Ryan Hollingshead and Jesus Murillo were physical and proactive in defense.
- Ordaz, despite the controversy, proved decisive with his match-winning goal and effort throughout the second half.
Talking Points
- VAR Controversy: Should Ordaz have been sent off for multiple offenses?
- Lloris vs Messi, Round 2: Advantage Hugo again.
- Aging Midfield: Can Busquets and Suárez handle high-intensity knockouts?
- Miami’s Tactical Dilemma: Mascherano must reconsider his defensive midfield cover.
- LAFC’s Youth Shine: Ordaz and Tillman provide energy and impact.
Second Leg Preview: Chase Stadium Awaits
With the tie finely poised, Inter Miami will return to Chase Stadium next week needing a comeback in front of their home fans. The pressure is on Mascherano’s squad, and the big names will need to deliver.
- Key Date: Second leg – April 10, 2025
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
- Aggregate: LAFC lead 1-0
The lafc vs inter miami clash lived up to its billing with tension, star power, and drama. But for Inter Miami, questions will linger—not just about the missed chances or the controversial yellow card—but whether this squad can keep up with the pace and youth of elite opposition.
For now, it’s advantage LAFC, but with Messi and Miami returning home, expect fireworks in the second leg.
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