LD Alajuelense were edged out 2-1 by Los Angeles FC in a tightly contested CONCACAF Champions League match at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. The result gives LAFC a crucial away victory and a significant advantage heading into the second leg of their tie. The visitors started brightly and took an early lead, punishing some hesitant defending from the Costa Rican side. Alajuelense responded well and found an equalizer before halftime, sending the home crowd into raptures with a powerful header from a set-piece. The match seemed destined for a draw until LAFC struck a decisive blow in the final quarter of an hour, scoring a superb counter-attacking goal to snatch the win. The focus point of the match was LAFC's clinical finishing on the break, contrasting with Alajuelense's inability to convert their periods of possession into more clear-cut opportunities. This result puts LAFC in a strong position to advance to the next round, while Alajuelense will need a monumental performance in the return leg in Los Angeles to keep their continental hopes alive.