The reigning MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy have officially bowed out of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, following a 3-2 quarterfinal defeat to Tigres UANL on Tuesday night. The loss marks the fourth time in five appearances that the Galaxy have been eliminated at the quarterfinal stage, continuing a disappointing trend in international competition.
Early Goals Sink Galaxy in Quarterfinal Clash
Tigres wasted no time asserting dominance, scoring two quick goals in the opening 10 minutes at Estadio Universitario in Monterrey, Mexico. Nicolás Ibañez opened the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by a strike from Uriel Antuna in the 10th minute, putting the Liga MX side in early control of the match.
Although the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw last week in Carson, Tigres came out aggressive at home and never relinquished their lead. A third goal by Rómulo Zwarg in the 57th minute sealed the result in front of 34,435 passionate fans.
Galaxy’s Efforts Fall Short
The Galaxy showed signs of life
as Joseph Paintsil pulled one back in the 40th minute, cutting the deficit before halftime. Later, Carlos Garcés added a second in the 60th minute, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.
This latest elimination adds to the Galaxy’s frustrating history in the competition—their last semifinal appearance came during the 2012-13 edition of the CONCACAF tournament.
What’s Next for Tigres?
With the win, Tigres becomes the first team to advance to the 2025 Champions Cup semifinals. They await the winner of the Club América vs. Cruz Azul series, both also from Liga MX. Tigres remains unbeaten at home in Champions Cup play, now boasting seven wins in their last 14 tournament matches, all of which were recorded in Monterrey.
However, their road struggles persist—Tigres has not secured an away win since the 2023 quarterfinals against Motagua in Honduras.
Upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup Quarterfinals:
- Club América vs. Cruz Azul – TBD
- LAFC vs. Inter Miami
- Pumas UNAM vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Next Match: LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo FC
Following their international exit, the LA Galaxy will return to MLS regular-season action on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PT, hosting the Houston Dynamo FC at Dignity Health Sports Park.
