Analyzing the Winning Strategies: How LAFC Claimed Victory over Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals

On April 2, 2025, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) delivered a tactical masterclass to secure a 1-0 victory over Inter Miami CF in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals at BMO Stadium. The match, which pitted two Major League Soccer powerhouses against each other, saw LAFC end Inter Miami’s impressive 14-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. Nathan Ordaz’s 57th-minute goal proved to be the difference, but the result was underpinned by a combination of strategic brilliance, defensive resilience, and clinical execution. Here’s a breakdown of why LAFC emerged victorious.

Messi dribbling between Hollingshead and Delgado

Tactical Discipline Neutralized Messi and Miami’s Attack

Inter Miami entered the match with a formidable attacking lineup, led by Lionel Messi, who had scored three goals in the tournament’s earlier rounds and consistently delivered in big moments since joining the club. Alongside Messi, players like Luis Suárez brought experience and goal-scoring threat. However, LAFC’s head coach Steve Cherundolo devised a game plan that effectively stifled Miami’s offensive firepower.

Messi vs Bouanga!

LAFC employed a compact, disciplined defensive structure that focused on crowding the midfield and limiting Messi’s space. By doubling up on the Argentine superstar whenever he received the ball near the penalty area, LAFC forced him into less dangerous positions. Messi managed five shots, with two on target, but both were comfortably saved by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who showcased his world-class shot-stopping ability. The strategy wasn’t just about stopping Messi—it extended to cutting off passing lanes to Suárez and other key attackers, leaving Miami struggling to create clear-cut chances.

Ordaz in the heat of the moment that lead to a yellow card after elbowing the Inter Miami player, seen down.

Nathan Ordaz’s Moment of Brilliance

While LAFC’s defense laid the foundation, the match’s defining moment came from 21-year-old striker Nathan Ordaz. In the 57th minute, Ordaz received the ball in midfield, evaded veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets with a clever move, and unleashed a powerful, low shot from outside the penalty area. The strike caught Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari off guard, nestling into the bottom corner of the net. It was a goal that highlighted Ordaz’s composure and technical ability, turning a tightly contested game in LAFC’s favor.

Ordaz’s goal wasn’t a fluke—it was the result of LAFC’s patience and ability to capitalize on a rare moment of opportunity against a Miami side that had been defensively solid throughout their unbeaten run.

Hugo Lloris and a Stout Defense

LAFC’s backline, anchored by veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, was impenetrable. Lloris, a former World Cup winner with France, made crucial saves to deny Messi and keep a clean sheet, reinforcing his status as one of MLS’s top goalkeepers. His composure under pressure was vital, especially as Miami pushed for an equalizer in the latter stages.

LLoris making a save

The defense in front of Lloris was equally impressive. Center-backs and fullbacks worked in unison to thwart Miami’s attacks, with timely interventions and physicality disrupting the rhythm of Miami’s star-studded lineup. A standout moment came late in the game when Maximiliano Falcon made a heroic goal-line clearance, but it wasn’t enough to spark a Miami comeback. LAFC’s collective defensive effort ensured that Miami, despite their possession and pressure, couldn’t convert their chances.

Inter Miami’s Fatigue and Missed Opportunities

Inter Miami’s grueling schedule may have played a role in their defeat. The team had been on an unbeaten tear, winning eight of nine matches across all competitions in 2025, including a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union just days before facing LAFC. With Messi returning from an injury layoff and playing the full 90 minutes, there were signs of fatigue in Miami’s play. Their usual sharpness in the final third was absent, and poor finishing—exacerbated by LAFC’s defensive pressure—meant they couldn’t find the net despite generating opportunities.

Messi scanning the field while dribbling towards LAFC goal area

Head coach Javier Mascherano’s decision to keep Messi on the pitch for the entire match, while understandable given the stakes, might have limited Miami’s ability to rotate and inject fresh legs. Substitutions like Robert Taylor and Benjamin Cremaschi came too late to shift the momentum, and Miami’s failure to score an away goal now puts them in a precarious position heading into the second leg.

Home Advantage and Momentum

Playing at BMO Stadium gave LAFC a psychological and logistical edge. The passionate home crowd fueled the team’s intensity, and familiarity with the pitch allowed them to execute their game plan with precision. LAFC have a strong track record at home, and this win builds on their momentum from earlier rounds, where they dispatched the Columbus Crew with a 4-0 aggregate scoreline. This victory positions them as serious contenders in the tournament, especially with the second leg looming in Fort Lauderdale on April 9.

Tillman in a 3v1 situation vs Alba and the Inter Miami teammates

Looking Ahead

LAFC’s 1-0 win doesn’t guarantee progression—the aggregate nature of the Concacaf Champions Cup means Inter Miami can still turn the tie around at home. However, this result showcased LAFC’s ability to compete with and defeat one of MLS’s most talented teams. For Inter Miami, the loss is a rare setback in an otherwise stellar 2025 campaign, and they’ll need to regroup quickly ahead of a crucial second leg.

In the end, LAFC beat Inter Miami through a combination of tactical acumen, individual brilliance from Nathan Ordaz, and a rock-solid defense led by Hugo Lloris. It was a performance that underscored their credentials as a top team and sent a message to the rest of the competition: LAFC are here to win it all.