LAFC barely survives! Did this player’s heroics change the Concacaf Champions Cup? | OneFootball

Going forward in an international competition is never simple. The game against Columbus Crew demonstrated that LAFC were aware of how to hold on to their advantage, defend the pressure, and counter at the appropriate time. Even after a 2-1 defeat away from home, they confirmed their position in the quarterfinals with a 4-2 aggregate victory. If there was a single name that shone bright, it was Hugo Lloris.

Lloris dazzles and closes down Columbus Crew's fightback

If Crew harbored dreams of an historic turnaround, it was only because Lloris let that dream live, if not for long. The French keeper was perfect, confronted with 22 shots, making five important saves, and at least two game-altering stops that preserved the aggregate advantage.

The moment of destiny arrived in the 66th minute, as Max Arfsten was left unchecked in the area and unleashed a close-range blast. It was a "goal" written all over it, yet Lloris stretched enough to pull off an incredible goal-line stop, with Crew fans in shock.

Columbus Crew creates, presses, but cannot finish

The Crew came out aggressive from the start. Jacen Russell-Rowe’s goal in the 10th minute fueled their confidence, and Diego Rossi’s penalty conversion just before halftime felt like the perfect setup for a comeback. They dominated possession, created more chances, and spent most of the match pressing high in LAFC’s half.

But possession without accuracy doesn't win matches. Crew had the quantity but not the quality. And whenever they got it right, they came up against an immovable object in goal.

Bouanga punishes Crew in stoppage time

As the game hit its dramatic finale, Columbus Crew pushed everyone forward in a bid for an aggregate equalizer. That's when the dagger was thrust. Cengiz Ünder took advantage of a turnover in midfield and created a chance for Denis Bouanga, who ran behind the defense and finished with clinical accuracy, booking LAFC's place in the quarterfinals.

Bouanga had made his mark already in the first leg, and yet again, he showed how deadly he can be when given some space.

Another all-MLS encounter on the cards?

LAFC now awaits the winner of the Inter Miami vs. Cavalier FC tie. With Herons having the aggregate lead, an all-MLS encounter in the next round looks probable.

No matter who their next opponent is, this LAFC team displayed maturity at Columbus Crew. They soaked up pressure, took advantage of the big moments, and remained solid when it counted. They were tested at the back, and greater tests are still to come.