LAFC overturns Tigres UANL with David Martínez’s brace to win 2‑1 in Leagues Cup Phase One in Tigres vs LAFC Match. Get the full match report, tactics, impacts, quotes and what’s next.
🏟️ Background History
On August 5, 2025, LAFC hosted Tigres UANL at BMO Stadium in a key Leagues Cup Phase One finale. Tigres came in undefeated with two straight wins—2‑1 over San Diego FC and 4‑1 over Houston Dynamo anchored by Ángel Correa who led the tournament scoring charts with four goals.
LAFC, needing a regulation win to stay alive looked to avenge previous losses to Tigres in the 2020 CONCACAF Champions Cup Final and 2023 Campeones Cup, both won by Tigres.
🎯 Tigres vs LAFC
First Half
- Tigres dominated possession (~63%) and pressured LAFC early ownership favoring Liga MX side.
- Despite Tigres control they failed to convert clear chances and LAFC defended tightly and waited for an opening.
Second Half
- David Martínez the 19 year old Venezuelan forward delivered a penalty strike in the 38th minute and sealed the comeback with a stunning solo goal in the 64th minute completing a 2‑1 turnaround.
- The win gave LAFC its first ever victory over Tigres avenging past tournament losses.
🌟 Player Spotlight
- David Martínez: Emerged as the match winner with a composed penalty and a solo “golazo” earning Man of the Match honors and keeping LAFC’s knockout hopes alive.
- Tigres’ Ángel Correa: Continued his Leagues Cup scoring streak but LAFC’s defensive focus limited his decisive impact this time.
🧠 Tactical Analysis
- Formation & Strategy: Tigres deployed a 4‑2‑3‑1 dominated midfield with Lainez and Correa driving forward and LAFC countered with compact organization and quick breaks from a 3‑4‑2‑1 shape.
- Turning Point: LAFC gradually grew confidence after halftime and Martínez’s contributions capitalized on Tigres’ missed opportunities.
- Defensive Resilience: LAFC’s backline and goalkeeper made key interventions to withstand Tigres’ pressure especially later in the game.
📊 Group Stage Impact
- Tigres UANL: Finished with 6 points from two wins but loss means they won’t clinch all nine qualification now depends on tiebreakers (goal diff, goals scored, goals conceded).
- LAFC: Now has 6 points as well (1‑0‑2 including shoot‑out extra point) and must await other MLS results to determine if they reach the quarterfinals as one of four MLS representatives.
🔙 Rivalry Recap: Tigres vs LAFC History
| Competition | Year | Result | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| CONCACAF Champ. Cup | 2020 | Tigres 2‑1 LAFC | Tigres claim title |
| Campeones Cup | 2023 | 0‑0 (Tigres 4‑2 PK) | Tigres win in shootout |
| Leagues Cup | 2025 | LAFC 2‑1 Tigres | LAFC earns rare win |
Buenas noches 😴 pic.twitter.com/bNVMXjySbL
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 6, 2025
💬 Coach Reactions & Headlines
- Steve Cherundolo celebrated Martínez’s breakthrough, emphasizing squad depth and using this game as a stepping stone for the rest of the season .
- Cherundolo confirmed his imminent departure at season end and while awaiting the arrival of record signing Heung‑Min Son added that closing strong in Leagues Cup remains a key goal.
🔥 Reactions & Fan Buzz
- Reddit fans celebrated the comeback:
“Finally… Los Angeles FC have beaten Tigres UANL 2‑1” and praised LAFC’s effort despite using rotated lineups.
- Coverage praised the emotional arrival of Heung‑Min Son who attended the match and generated enormous good will even before his signing was official.