CCC Roundup: LAFC Hammer Columbus Crew, Cincinnati Held At Home By Tigres UANL

Written by Patrick Echatah

Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 action got underway on Tuesday night as LAFC defeated Columbus Crew 3-0 while FC Cincinnati had to settle for a 1-1 home draw with Tigres UANL.

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Denis Bouanga’s brace and a late goal from local Nathan Ordaz ahead of Leg 2 in Columbus, who made their 2025 CCC debut after getting a Round Bye as the defending League Cup champions, gave the Black & Gold a decisive advantage in their series.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, needs to win at Estadio Universitario next week in order to move on in the competition that guarantees a spot in the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

With the assistance of a mishandled back ball from Steven Moreira, Bouanga opened his 2025 scoring account by putting LAFC ahead halfway through the first half.

But just after halftime, the Gabon international curled a right-footed stunner into the top right corner to double their lead without any assistance. Not to be outdone, Ordaz delivered a tremendous volley to seal the victory for the home team.

Will Columbus, the finalists from the previous year, be able to make a home comeback in the second leg next week? Or will LAFC advance to the quarterfinals and play either Jamaican team Cavalier FC or Inter Miami CF?

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FC Cincinnati got off to a fantastic start thanks to a goal from Pavel Bucha in the third minute, but the Orange & Blue were unable to maintain that early momentum.

They made it more difficult by letting Tigres leave TQL Stadium with a 1-1 tie and a crucial away goal from Nicolás Ibáñez. The return of Luca Orellano, a 2024 MLS All-Star and Newcomer of the Year finalist who played his first competitive minutes of 2025 after recovering from a leg injury, was a significant plus for Pat Noonan’s team, though.

Next week is the second leg tie between Cincy and Tigres, and the victor will play either Costa Rican club Herediano or the MLS Cup champions, presented by Audi, in the quarterfinals.

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