LAFC suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Necaxa at Estadio Nemesio Diez, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate loss and elimination from the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. Despite fielding stars Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga for the full match, the team failed to score amid challenging high-altitude conditions.
Stunning Collapse After First-Leg Lead
LAFC entered the second leg holding a 2-1 advantage from the opener but crumbled under pressure. Necaxa dominated, capitalizing on defensive lapses to secure victory. The team generated three major chances but converted none, while shots totaled just 5 compared to Necaxa’s 31.
High-Altitude Nightmare at 2,667 Meters
The match at Necaxa’s home stadium, perched at 2,667 meters above sea level, proved overwhelming. Players struggled with thin air, limiting their performance despite preparations. Officials noted the venue’s notorious difficulty for visiting teams.
Fans Erupt in Anger on Social Media
Post-match backlash exploded on social platforms, with LAFC supporters on X unleashing criticism. One prominent fan account stated, “Dos Santos feels like the enemy. Just fire him already. This is unacceptable—match movement was abysmal.”
Another added, “This isn’t what LAFC fans want. The front line is overly charismatic. Changes are essential. Otherwise, we’ll face the same losing streak next season.”
Insider Frustration and Tactical Blunders
Criticism extends beyond fans to team insiders and public analysis. A supporter remarked, “Dos Santos and the coaching staff seem intent on forcing square pegs into round holes.” Recent form underscores concerns: three straight conference losses and poor Champions Cup results highlight defensive frailties.
Questionable Decisions Seal Fate
Dos Santos opted for halftime substitutions, including Jacob Schepplerberg, followed by rolling changes to bolster the attack. However, within three minutes of the second half, a rolling sub led to a penalty via the captain’s error. Further chaos ensued, derailing the game plan entirely.
Analysis reveals persistent issues in big matches. Son Heung-min and Bouanga’s firepower, potent during the season, faltered here. Fans demand accountability, viewing the loss as avoidable with better tactics.
