El León is very close to being crowned champion of the Concacaf Nations League by beating LAFC 2-1 at the Nou Camp, in the first leg of the grand final of the continental tournament.
La Fiera made its nickname come true, being the most dangerous and forceful team in the duel against an MLS team that, despite being one of the best defenses in the United States, could not completely contain the emeralds.
The pressure exerted from the first minutes paid off very early in the match, after, at minute 7, William Tesillo appeared in the area and finished off with a header to beat goalkeeper McCarthy.
With the score already in their favor, León continued to attack the goal of the Americans, who did not meet at any time during the first half, but the shots from Elías Hernandez and ‘Plátano’ Alvarado were not enough.
Already at the end of the first part, León sentenced the match due to an error from behind. At minute 45+3, a handball from Hollingshead allowed Ángel Mena to seal the result from 11 steps.
For his part, the Mexican Carlos Vela could not appear even once in Rodolfo Cota’s area to try to close the gap in the match.
The second part had a similar script, which caused the feeling that the result tasted little for the Lion ahead of the final duel in Los Angeles.
And that lack of forcefulness was taken advantage of by LAFC, after, at minute 96, Denis Bouanga scored the goal that brought the Americans closer.
With the aim of adding their first Concacaf Champions title, León will face LAFC next Sunday, June 4, in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League.
Now León must win or draw in Los Angeles to win the title, while LAFC must win by two goals if they want to lift the trophy. In the event of a win by difference of one goal for the Angelenos, there will be extra time.