LAFC vs Inter Miami: CONCACAF Champions League Preview

Setting the Stage

For LAFC, this is a shot at redemption after their early-season inconsistencies and recent domestic setbacks. Despite losing four of their last five in all competitions, including a narrow 3-2 defeat at San Diego FC, Steve Cherundolo’s side will look to lean on their strong Champions Cup home form. The Black and Gold have kept two clean sheets from two at BMO Stadium in this competition and dispatched Columbus Crew 4-2 on aggregate in the previous round, gaining a small measure of revenge on the team that denied them MLS Cup glory in 2023.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, enter this tie in red-hot form. Javier Mascherano’s side enjoyed a perfect month of March, winning all six of their competitive fixtures, including a comfortable two-legged triumph over Jamaican side Cavalier FC. The Herons claimed back-to-back 2-0 victories, extending their unbeaten run to nine matches across all competitions, and they’ll be looking to carry that momentum into what is expected to be their toughest test yet.

Recent Form & Head-to-Head

LAFC may be battling a dip in form domestically, but their record at this stage of the Champions Cup is promising—they’ve won all three of their previous quarter-final matches by a combined score of 7-1. While their overall record against Inter Miami stands at two wins from three, their last meeting ended in a 3-1 home defeat to the Herons in 2023.

Miami have their own quarter-final demons to exorcise, having been eliminated at this stage last year by Monterrey, but they’ve yet to lose a Champions Cup tie to an MLS opponent—ousting Sporting KC and Nashville SC across the past two editions.

Interestingly, the Herons’ win at BMO Stadium last year marked only their second-ever road victory against a California-based side.

Key Stats

• LAFC are unbeaten at home in the Champions Cup this season (2-0-0), with zero goals conceded.
• Inter Miami have won eight of their last nine matches across all competitions.
• Luis Suárez has scored in both legs of Miami’s Champions Cup ties this season.
• Denis Bouanga has been involved in three goals in LAFC’s last two Champions Cup outings.
• LAFC have lost four of their last five competitive fixtures heading into this tie.
• Inter Miami are appearing in the CCC quarter-finals for the second consecutive season.

Team News

LAFC:

• Jeremy Ebobisse remains unavailable with a leg strain, and Lorenzo Dellavalle is still sidelined due to a thigh issue.
• Igor Jesus, sent off in MLS play over the weekend, remains eligible for this competition.
• Denis Bouanga is expected to spearhead the attack after scoring three times against Columbus.
• Hugo Lloris has kept two clean sheets in the tournament so far.

Inter Miami:

• Marcelo Weigandt and David Ruiz missed the previous game due to hamstring concerns and remain doubts.
• Ryan Sailor (concussion protocol), David Martínez (adductor), and Tadeo Allende (calf) are also being monitored.
• Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi are expected to start after both netted in the previous round.
• Goalkeeper Óscar Ustari has yet to concede in the Champions Cup this year.

With elite talent on both sides and a spot in the semi-finals up for grabs, this first leg at BMO Stadium sets the tone for what could be a continental classic. LAFC will hope to draw strength from their home form, while Inter Miami look to continue their winning streak and stake their claim as serious contenders on the international stage.