Mazatlán Edges LAFC in Penalty Thriller to Open Leagues Cup 2025

Match Recap
Written By Juan Hernandez

David Martinez Celebration - Photo By: Juan Hernandez

Match Overview

Match: Los Angeles FC 1–1 Mazatlán FC (Mazatlán won 11–10 on penalties)
Date: July 29, 2025 at BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
Competition: Leagues Cup 2025, Group Stage Round 1
This marked the first-ever meeting between the clubs in continental competition

Captain Lucas Merolla #6 - Photo By: Juan Hernandez

First Half: Quick Start & Goals

  • LAFC hit first in the 29th minute when David Martínez controlled a Tim Tillman ball over the top and volleyed it into the net past goalkeeper Ricardo Rodríguez.

  • Two minutes later, Fábio Gomes, just his second appearance for Mazatlán in CONCACAF competition, equalized with a calm low finish to the far post assisted by Dudu Teodora .

Mark Delgado battles for the ball - Photo By: Juan Hernandez

Second Half: Tight & Tactical

  • Both teams tightened up defensively—LAFC looked for the winner through sustained possession, while Mazatlán opted for disciplined counterattacks.

  • No additional scoring opportunities converted in regulation time. Possession stats favored LAFC heavily, but clear-cut chances were limited for both sides.

Dennis Bouanga #99 - Photo by: Juan Hernandez

Penalty Shootout: Marathon Under Pressure

  • A shootout unfolded across 12 rounds, one of the longest in tournament memory.

  • Both teams converted their first 10 attempts. In the 11th, LAFC’s Denis Bouanga scored, but his 12th attempt was saved/missed, giving Mazatlán the shootout win 11–10 and the crucial extra point in the standings .

Lafc Starting XI vs Mazatlan FC - Photo By: Juan Hernandez

Starting Lineups & Key Player Context

LAFC

  • Squad missing key defenders Aaron Long, Maxime Chanot due to injuries, forcing a restructured backline .

  • Denis Bouanga entered with strong momentum—second-highest all-time Leagues Cup scorer (behind Messi)—and had scored five goals in five games before this match .

Mazatlán

  • Managed by Robert Dante Siboldi, hired ahead of the Apertura season to lift the team from its usual bottom-half finishes .

  • Nicolás Benedetti, their captain and creative engine, was considered pivotal in their tactical setup .

  • Fábio Gomes inserted into the starting XI just before tournament; he delivered immediately with his 31st‑minute goal .

Photo by : Juan Hernandez

Tactical Overview

  • LAFC:

    • Favored possession but lacked decisiveness in finishing.

    • With several defensive absences, their structure was tested and occasionally shaky.

  • Mazatlán:

    • Bielieved in compact shape, aggressive pressing, and swift counters.

    • Minimal possession but clinical conversion when opportunities emerged.

  • Form wise heading into the match:

    • LAFC was winless in two leading into the opener, including a recent 1–0 loss to Portland, a 3–3 draw with Galaxy, and loan addition Mathieu Choinière just arriving

Match Highlights

Juan Hernandez