'Murder tackle → Son Heung-min's collar rage' LAFC advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup dramatically... 3–2 defeat of Alahuellense

*This content was translated by AI.

Son Heung-min (34, Los Angeles FC) was also an unusually angry killer. LAFC dramatically succeeded in advancing to the quarterfinals amid intensive checks against the ace.

Son Heung-min's team, LAFC, beat Alahuelense (Costa Rica) 2-1 in the second round of the round of 16 at the 2026 North American Soccer Federation (CONCACF) Champions Cup at Estadio Alejandro Morela Soto in Alahuela, Costa Rica, at 10 a.m. on the 18th (Korea time).

In the first round at home, LAFC won a 1-1 draw. As a result of this day, LAFC succeeded in advancing to the quarterfinals by a total of 3-2 goals in the first and second games. In the quarterfinals, LAFC will meet Monterrey or Cruz Asul (Mexico).

Son Heung-min also played as an offensive midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation in the second round of 16 with Alahuelense. Son Heung-min, who played as a striker under former coach Steven Cheruntholo last season, is focusing on playmaking rather than finishing the scoring himself after the appointment of new coach Mark dos Santos.

In the second round of the round of 16, coach dos Santos put 22-year-old promising striker Nathan Ordas at the forefront. Dnie Buanga, Son Heung-min and Timothy Tillman were in the second line.

Marc Delgado and Mathieu Shuaniere played central midfielders, while Eddie Segura, Nkosi Tapari, Ryan Porteous and Serhiy Palencia played four backs. The goal was defended by Hugo Lloris.

LAFC scored the first point in the first four minutes of the first half. Alahuelense central defender Mark van der Futen finished with an exquisite header in a corner kick mix. Lloris managed to hit Alahuelense's first header, but it was not enough to stop the second ball.

Allahuelense lowered the line to fend off LAFC's attack. LAFC launched an attack led by Son Heung-min, but struggled with the opponent's narrow defense line. Son tried two mid-range shots outside the penalty box, but all were blocked by the defense's hand-to-hand defense.

In the extra time of the first half, Son Heung-min created a decisive opportunity. However, Ordas' shot in a one-on-one situation was caught on the goalkeeper's toes. LAFC finished the first half with a scoreless 0-1.

Son Heung-min burst his unusual anger. In the 5th minute of the second half, he was knocked down by Aaron Salazar's tackle. Son Heung-min immediately got up and lunged at Salazar. The referee gave both Son Heung-min and Salazar yellow cards.

Son Heung-min deserved a strong protest. Salazar hit a strong tackle on Son Heung-min's ankle with the ball already off its feet.

6 min LAFC balanced the game. Ordas cut the left goal with a left-footed non-stop shot at the gate. Delgado connected the ball from midfield with a one-touch cross, and Ordas finished calmly.

In the 20th minute, coach Dos Santos made a winning move. Without Ordas, David Martinez was put in, placing Son Heung-min as the front-line striker.

LAFC had a crucial 43-minute chance. Buanga's shot past the goalkeeper hit the crossbar. 45 min LAFC prepared for extra time by replacing Amin Boudry and Ryan Hollingshead.

A theater goal was scored just before the end of the game. Martinez cut the corner of the right goal with a left-footed mid-range shot. LAFC advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup by one goal thanks to Martinez's winning goal.

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*This content was translated by AI.