Mar 18 • 06:33 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Son Heung-min plays full time as LAFC reaches the quarterfinals with Martinez's last-minute goal in the CONCACAF Champions Cup

Son Heung-min played the entire match, helping LAFC secure a 2-1 victory over Alajuelense to reach the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

On the 18th of October, Son Heung-min contributed to LAFC’s advancement in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, playing the full match during a tightly contested game against Alajuelense in Costa Rica. The final score was 2-1 in favor of LAFC, which allowed them to win the aggregate 3-2 and advance to the quarterfinals. David Martinez scored the deciding goal during stoppage time, showcasing the last-minute thrill often seen in knockout rounds.

The match started with an early setback for LAFC, conceding a goal to Santiago Vanderputten just four minutes into the game, courtesy of a corner kick from Alajuelense. Despite early struggles, LAFC regrouped and began applying pressure on Alajuelense's goal with efforts from Son and teammates like Denis Bouanga and Timothy Tillman. However, the opposing defense remained resilient, complicating LAFC's scoring attempts.

After a persistent offensive effort, the tide turned in the second half when Nathan Ordaz equalized with a well-placed shot following a series of quick passes. The match intensified, culminating in Martinez’s spectacular long-range strike in the dying moments, which secured the victory. Martinez’s goal not only highlighted his ability but also emphasized the importance of composure and precision in crucial match situations as LAFC prepares for its upcoming quarterfinal match against either Cruz Azul or Monterrey next month.

📡 Similar Coverage