The major key points in LAFC's big win over Inter Miami | OneFootball

Inter Miami were giving their fans a lot to cheer about with an impressive start to the season that saw them go nine games unbeaten, with eight wins and a draw. However, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez's side were no match for L FC, losing 1-0 in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions League quarter-final.

An essential key point in Inter Miami's defeat was the goal they conceded in the 57th minute, when Nathan Ordaz spun around Sergio Busquets and hit a shot from outside the area without applying much force to the ball. Although the accuracy of the shot was enough to prevent a save from goalkeeper Ustari, the Miami team showed a lot of inattention at this decisive moment.

Los Angeles Football Club v Inter Miami - CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025 | Melinda Meijer/ISI Photos/GettyImages

In addition, LAFC put together a very intelligent strategy to neutralize Inter Miami's actions, being aware of their opponent's offensive power. Because of this, individual marking on Lionel Messi was essential, as coach Steve Cherundolo explained after the match.

“I think Messi] always had a black shirt in front of him, and that's the point. You can't defend him, you can't always stop Jordi Alba, Busquetsor Suárez.These guys are going to get a chance or two, and the only way to defend players of that quality and teams of that quality is with collective effort. The collective effort and putting numbers around your players in the critical areas was important, and we did a good job.”

As LAFC's coach explained, Inter Miami suffered greatly from the intensity applied by the home side, with the forwards having no space to circulate the ball in attack. We're likely to see a similar strategy used in the second leg.

Finally, the stats explain how LAFC managed to be effective in their strategy to neutralize Lionel Messi and his teammates. Despite having less possession (41%) and fewer passes (435), the Los Angeles side outscored Inter Miami in shots (15) and shots on target (4). Because of all these factors, the anticipation for the second leg next Wednesday is even greater.