MLS-LAFC Opens Concacaf Champions Cup With 6-1 Win Over Real España

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras — Los Angeles Football Club opened its 2026 season and Concacaf Champions Cup campaign in dominant fashion, rolling to a 6-1 victory over Real España on Tuesday night at Estadio General Francisco Morazán.

Denis Bouanga recorded a hat trick, while Son Heung-Min added a goal and three assists to power the Black & Gold in the first leg of the opening-round series.

LAFC struck early and often.

David Martínez drew a penalty in the third minute, and Bouanga converted from the spot to give LAFC a 1-0 lead. Martínez doubled the advantage in the 11th minute, finishing a pass from Son. Bouanga then won a penalty that Son buried in the 22nd minute to make it 3-0.

Two minutes later, Son set up Bouanga for LAFC’s fourth goal. Tillman capped the first-half surge in the 39th minute, backheeling Son’s pass into the net for a commanding 5-0 lead at halftime.

Real España responded early in the second half, with Jack Jean-Baptiste scoring in the 51st minute to cut the deficit to 5-1.

LAFC regained control after head coach Marc Dos Santos made changes near the hour mark, bringing on Nathan Ordaz, Mathieu Choinière and Tyler Boyd.

Ordaz quickly made his presence felt. In the 71st minute, he allowed a Sergi Palencia cross to run through to an unmarked Bouanga, who finished for his third goal of the night and LAFC’s sixth.

The second leg is set for Tuesday, Feb. 24 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT.