Inter Miami is on the brink of being knocked out of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals. In the second leg on Wednesday, they have an opportunity to come back after losing the first leg to LAFC last week.
The first leg defeat in Los Angeles was close, with LAFC winning 1-0 thanks to a goal by Nathan Ordaz in the 57th minute. This was Miami`s first loss of the season. Their winless streak extended to two games after a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Sunday. Despite coach Javier Mascherano playing Lionel Messi for the full 90 minutes in both recent games, they only managed to get one point.
LAFC wants a strong result to improve their season, which has been average so far. They have lost four of their seven MLS games and are currently ninth in the Western Conference. Coach Steve Cherundolo has focused on the Champions League, as seen by squad rotation in Saturday`s 1-0 loss to Houston Dynamo.
Here’s what you should know before this important week in North American club soccer.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 9
- Location: Chase Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Previous Match
Last week, LAFC defeated Inter Miami 1-0. LAFC outshot Miami 15 to 10 and had four shots on target compared to Miami`s three, even though Miami had more possession. Ordaz scored the only goal, giving LAFC an important lead for the second leg.
Inter Miami`s Perspective
Inter Miami has had a tough week, with their strong start to the season interrupted by two games without a win. The draw against Toronto made Mascherano reflect, and he stated his determination to learn from these results.
Mascherano mentioned that soccer is complex and requires constant focus. He emphasized the need for team unity and focus throughout the upcoming match on Wednesday to avoid difficulties.
He defended his choice not to rotate the team, explaining that he wanted to respond to the previous loss with an immediate win. However, this didn`t happen, and now there are questions about the fitness of key players like Messi and Luis Suarez for the second leg.
Mascherano pointed out the scheduling issue, noting the difference in rest time between the teams, which he found strange.
Projected Starting Lineups
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Gonzalo Lujan, Maximiliano Falcon, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba, Fafa Picault, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia, Lionel Messi, Luis Sarez
LAFC: Hugo Lloris, Sergi Palencia, Aaron Long, Eddie Segura, Ryan Hollingshead, Timothy Tillman, Igor Jesus, Marco Delgado, Cengiz Under, Nathan Ordaz, Denis Bouanga
Key Player to Watch
Hugo Lloris, LAFC: Inter Miami is expected to attack strongly in Wednesday`s game, especially with Messi in form, having scored six goals and provided two assists in nine games. LAFC`s goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, will be crucial in countering this threat.
Lloris has faced Messi many times, including in the last two World Cups. He has a decent record against Messi, and his performance in keeping Messi at bay could be decisive for LAFC`s success in this match. Lloris will need to make significant saves to match Messi`s scoring ability.
Match Storyline
Can Inter Miami Recover?: Despite LAFC`s current advantage, Inter Miami still has a chance to win. This game is a significant test for Mascherano as Miami`s coach. His approach in this must-win situation will be interesting to observe. His decision to play his key players extensively shows his determination to win, and it remains to be seen if this strategy will lead Miami to their first ever Champions League semifinal.
Match Prediction
Expect a tight and competitive game with a Champions League semifinal spot at stake. While shutting out Miami twice is difficult for LAFC, the game could be very close, potentially going to extra time and penalties. The uncertainty around Miami`s lineup and penalty shootouts adds to the suspense. However, Inter Miami might just be able to win, even under pressure. Prediction: Inter Miami 1, LAFC 0; Inter Miami wins 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
