Alajuelense — Los Angeles FC Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 18 March 2026
On March 18, 2026, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Alajuelense will host Los Angeles FC. The match is scheduled to kick off at 02:00 Central European Time. Let’s take a closer look at the potential outcome of this clash.
Alajuelense
Alajuelense come into the return match against Los Angeles FC in fairly good form. In the Clausura of the Costa Rican championship, the team recently secured a 3–0 home victory, extending their unbeaten run to four matches — three wins and one draw. In the league standings, Alajuelense currently sit fourth, five points behind the leaders.
In the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Alajuelense entered the Round of 16 directly as the reigning champions of Costa Rica. However, in the first leg against Los Angeles FC, the team did not look particularly convincing in attack. They produced only four shots on target but still managed to score once despite generating just 0.11 expected goals (xG).
Looking back at last year’s tournament, Alajuelense were eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing on aggregate to UNAM Pumas.
The Costa Rican side have also faced Los Angeles FC before. Their previous meetings came in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2023, when Alajuelense lost 0–3 at home and were eliminated with a 2–4 aggregate defeat.
Los Angeles FC
Los Angeles FC head into this match in excellent form. The team remains unbeaten since the start of the season, playing seven matches across all competitions without a defeat — six wins and one draw.
In the first leg against Alajuelense, LAFC had a clear advantage and created more chances but failed to convert many of them. As a result, the team will aim to finish the job in the away match and secure their place in the next round.
In the Round of 32 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, LAFC faced Real España from Honduras and confidently advanced with a 7–1 aggregate victory. Last season, the club reached the quarterfinals of the tournament, where they were eliminated by Inter Miami.
In Major League Soccer, Los Angeles FC have also started the new campaign strongly. In their latest league match, they defeated St. Louis City 2–0, and after four games they hold a perfect record of four wins, scoring eight goals and conceding none. At the moment, the team sits second in their conference.
Looking at the head-to-head meetings with Alajuelense, the teams have faced each other three times so far. The record is balanced, with one win for each side and one draw.
Probable Lineups
- Alajuelense: Ortega, Matarrita, Gamboa, van der Putten, Pinar, Bran, Salazar, Perez, Parkins, Hernandez, Cisneros
- Los Angeles FC: Lloris, Segura, Tafari, Porteous, Raposo, Delgado, Choiniere, Bouanga, Son, Martinez, Ordaz
Key Facts and Head-to-Head
- Alajuelense have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
- 4 of Alajuelense’s last 5 matches have seen under 2.5 goals.
- Los Angeles have won 6 of their last 7 matches.
- Los Angeles have won 3 of their last 4 away matches.
- Los Angeles have scored first in 6 of their last 7 matches.
- Los Angeles’ last 5 matches have seen under 2.5 goals.
- The first leg finished in a 1–1 draw.
Alajuelense — Los Angeles FC Prediction
Considering the current form of both teams, Los Angeles FC are the clear favorites to advance. In the first leg, the MLS side created significantly more scoring opportunities, even though they did not convert all of them. LAFC have also started the season in excellent shape, remaining unbeaten across all competitions and showing impressive defensive stability — they have yet to concede a goal in MLS this season. Their squad depth and overall quality give them a clear edge in this matchup. L.D. Alajuelense have been fairly solid recently, but earlier inconsistencies and disappointing performances suggest they are at a disadvantage. Taking all factors into account — current form, first-leg advantage, strong defense, and squad quality — Los Angeles FC are well positioned to win this match and secure progression to the next round.Recommended bet: Los Angeles FC to win — 1.65
