TITLE: David Martínez scores twice as LAFC shut out Cruz Azul in Champions Cup opener
LAFC defeated Cruz Azul 3-0 in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal at BMO Stadium on Tuesday. David Martínez netted two goals while Son Heung-Min added one to give the Black & Gold a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead heading into the return leg in Mexico on April 14.
Son opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a goal assisted by Mathieu Choinière. The South Korean star was instrumental in setting the tone early for LAFC, combining well with his teammates and making a key impact in the first half. Hugo Lloris made four saves to preserve the shutout, showcasing his usual poise between the posts.
Martínez took over in the second half, finding the back of the net for the second time in the 58th minute with a standout individual effort. His first goal came just before halftime in the 39th minute, giving LAFC a two-goal cushion. The 20-year-old Venezuelan international is now scoring at an elite rate, with his performance elevating LAFC's attack to another level.
The Black & Gold dominated possession and created multiple chances throughout the match. Their ability to control the game and limit Cruz Azul to zero shots on target was a major factor in the result. The clean sheet was a team effort, with the defense holding firm under pressure and Lloris making key stops when needed.
With the 3-0 aggregate advantage, LAFC are in a strong position to advance to the semifinals. The return leg at Estadio Cuauhtémoc will be a tough test, but the confidence from this performance is high. The winner will face either LA Galaxy or Toluca FC in the next round.
Son Heung-Min | WATCH
David Martínez | WATCH
David Martínez | WATCH
LAFC will turn their attention to the regular season this weekend, when they host the Portland Timbers on Saturday, April 11 at 4:30 pm ET. Cruz Azul will also return to action the same day, facing Club América in a LIGA MX Clausura match.
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