'SON Alert' issued by Mexico: "It's really SON!"... Sighs and praise: "LAFC gained the upper hand thanks to Son Heung-min"

*This content was translated by AI.

In Mexico, Son Heung-min (34, LAFC)'s outstanding performance was closely watched, prompting expressions of caution.

On the 30th last month (Korean time), Son Heung-min recorded two assists in the home match against Toluca (Mexico) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, USA, leading his team to a 2-1 victory in the first leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.

Starting the match, Son Heung-min displayed light and agile movements throughout. In the 6th minute of the second half, with the score tied at 0-0, Son Heung-min delivered a skillful pass inside the penalty area to assist Timothy Tillman's opening goal. This was his first offensive point in four official matches.

Son Heung-min's true ability shone again during stoppage time in the second half when the score was tied 1-1. In a dramatic free-kick situation, Son Heung-min's precise cross was converted into a header by Enciso Tapia for the winning goal.

With two assists added today, Son Heung-min recorded his seventh assist of the tournament, taking sole possession of the top spot in the assists category. This marks his 14th assist across all competitions this season.

Even Mexico, which will face South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup North American, Central American, and Caribbean (CONCACAF) group stage, heaped praise on Son Heung-min. After the match, 'As Mexico' reported, "While LAFC aggressively attacked Toluca's goal to leverage home advantage, Son Heung-min of South Korea delivered a dangerous cross from a chance created by Paulo, which Tapia finished with a header, securing a dramatic victory for the team."

The report continued, "Thanks to the goal that started from Son Heung-min's foot, LAFC has gained a more advantageous position heading to the away match in Mexico," highlighting Son Heung-min's performance that broke the balance of the match.

Meanwhile, LAFC, which secured a valuable victory at home, has taken a favorable position where a draw in the second leg away match against Toluca on May 7 will be enough to reach the final.

Concerns over severe physical exhaustion due to the high-altitude away match loom, and the team must also complete its league schedule against San Diego before then. Marc Dos Santos, LAFC's head coach, emphasized the tight schedule, stating, "We will continue training without rest tomorrow," while also noting, "The players' physical burden will inevitably peak in the second leg against Toluca. We will implement extensive rotation in the San Diego match to manage the stamina of key players," outlining his team management plan.

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*This content was translated by AI.