Óscar Ramírez, coach of Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, commented on March 11 about his team’s performance following a 1-1 draw against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The match took place in Los Angeles and was the first leg of the round of sixteen.
The result is significant for Alajuelense as it keeps their hopes alive for advancing to the next stage. After the game, there was high demand for tickets for the return match, which will be held at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto next Tuesday.
Ramírez said, “The evaluation of the match at this level is always complex; there are two matches and you have to know how to play the first one. We left aside possession a bit because we knew we had a team that could be dangerous in transitions if we tried to play. We were organized, with a block.” He added, “In the end, I think we got what we were looking for, which was a positive result, knowing that a tough match awaits us.”
He also discussed his approach: “This coaching staff studies opponents thoroughly to find their weaknesses and strengths and knows how to neutralize them. The team is evolving; it’s been a difficult semester and little by little we’re getting through it. This is an important boost; it will help us finish strong.” Ramírez emphasized both tactical discipline and emotional strength: “Coaches have to know how to bring out not just tactics and physicality but also reach players’ hearts. The team showed that—order and hard work. Passing this round would be important.”
Looking ahead to the second leg, Ramírez said they plan to take a more offensive approach while remaining cautious about LAFC’s counterattacks: “We joked about it being fifty-fifty; here, with what Major League Soccer has done bringing in experienced players, we were smart in neutralizing that. Over there we’ll try to be more offensive but still careful with their transitions.” He also praised midfielder Alejandro Bran’s development after he scored Alajuelense’s goal: “Alejandro has gone through an interesting process… he did very well today and has become more consistent.”
