Venue Location
The match will be held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA. This is LAFC’s home venue, with a capacity of 22,000. The pitch is natural grass, and the stadium is known for its intimate, energetic atmosphere during continental competitions.
Kickoff is scheduled for
7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM MT / 3:00 AM UTC on February 25). Broadcast details include FS2, TUDN, ConcacafGO, and OneSoccer in select regions.
Weather Updates
- High temperature: 72–77°F (22–25°C)
- Evening kickoff temperature: Around 55–60°F (13–16°C)
- Conditions: Mostly cloudy with a low chance of light rain (10–20%)
- Wind: 4–7 mph from the southwest
- Humidity: 55–65%
- Other details: Mild and comfortable for soccer, but potential for a slight chill as the sun sets. No major disruptions expected; UV index moderate (around 5 during the day).
Injury Report
- LAFC: Several key absences. OUT: Lorenzo Dellavalle (cruciate ligament tear/leg), Jeremy Ebobisse (leg), Igor Jesus (cruciate ligament tear/leg, out until mid-May), Aaron Long (Achilles tendon rupture/leg), Jacob Shaffelburg (groin surgery/pelvis/groin, out until late March). The team has depth but will miss defensive and midfield options; no new injuries from recent matches.
- Real España: No major injuries reported. The squad appears at near-full strength, with key players like Jack Jean-Baptiste (scorer in the first leg) available. However, fatigue from a busy domestic schedule could be a factor, including their recent Honduran Liga Nacional match on February 21 against Lobos UPNFM.
Key
Player Matchups
With LAFC holding a 6-1 aggregate lead from the first leg, expect the hosts to control possession while Real España pushes desperately for goals. Key battles:
- Denis Bouanga (LAFC Forward) vs. Real España Defense: Bouanga’s hat-trick in the first leg (penalty, assisted by Son, and another clinical finish) highlights his threat. His speed and finishing (4 goals in 2026, including one in MLS) will challenge Real España’s backline, led by defenders like Devron García and Franklin Flores, who struggled to contain him previously.
- Son Heung-Min (LAFC Midfielder/Forward) vs. Real España Midfield: Son’s debut was electric with a goal (penalty) and three assists (to Martínez, Bouanga, and Tillman). His vision and pace could dismantle midfielders like Wisdom Quaye and Jimy Roque, especially on counters. If Son exploits spaces, expect more goals.
- David Martínez (LAFC Forward) vs. Real España Center-Backs: Martínez scored in the first leg (assisted by Son) and drew the opening penalty, plus a goal in the MLS opener. His movement will test the Hondurans’ defense, which conceded five first-half goals last time.
- Jack Jean-Baptiste (Real España Forward) vs. LAFC Defense: Jean-Baptiste scored Real España’s lone goal in the first leg. He’ll need to beat LAFC’s backline, including Jesús Murillo and Maxime Chanot (with Ryan Porteous and Eddie Segura as options amid injuries). LAFC’s defense kept a clean sheet in their MLS opener.
Recent Team Forms
- LAFC: WW (6-1 away win vs. Real España in CCC Leg 1; 3-0 home win vs. Inter Miami in MLS). They’ve scored 9 goals in two games with a clean sheet in MLS, showcasing lethal attacking form led by Bouanga (4 goals in 2026) and Son (1 goal, 3 assists). Substitutes like Nathan Ordaz (assist in CCC, goal in MLS) add depth.
- Real España: WL (2-1 home win vs. Choloma in league; 1-6 home loss to LAFC in CCC Leg 1). They were in strong domestic form before the thrashing, with a 4-2-0 start to Clausura (including a 1-1 draw vs. Juticalpa and 4-1 win over Olancho earlier in February), but the first leg exposed defensive vulnerabilities (5 goals conceded in first half). Form is shaky entering this must-win scenario.
Series History
This is the second meeting between the clubs. LAFC dominated the first leg on February 17, 2026, winning 6-1 in San Pedro Sula (goals: Bouanga x3, Martínez, Son, Tillman; Jean-Baptiste for Real España). Aggregate: LAFC leads 6-1. Real España needs at least six goals without reply to advance outright, or five to force extra time—a near-impossible task.
Betting Trends
- LAFC has scored 3+ goals in both 2026 competitive matches, with over 3.5 goals in each.
- Real España has conceded 7 goals in their last two games (including 6 to LAFC), failing to keep a clean sheet recently.
- Home teams in CCC second legs win 85% when leading by 5+ goals after Leg 1 (based on historical data).
- Trend: LAFC unbeaten in season openers (9-0-0 in MLS history); Real España winless vs. MLS teams in continental play.
MATCH ODDS
Real Espana + 1400
LA Football Club – 800
Draw + 800
Over 3.5 – 105 Under 3.5 – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 23, 2026
