Gareth Bale, who was key to Wales qualifying for their first World Cup in 64 years, rubber-stamped a 12-month deal at the end of June with Los Angeles FC. He is joined by Giorgio Chiellini as the MLS side looks to strengthen their squad.
Former Champions League winner watched from the stands as his new team came out victorious in the ‘El Trafico’.
Pre Match
The crowd gave Gareth Bale a warm reception when he was first seen in the Stadium to which Gareth Bale responded by saying that he can’t wait to play in front of ‘these incredible fans’.
The LAFC squad, however, didn’t feature Bale as there is still a work-visa issue which will get sorted soon.
The Game
Both the teams played with high intensity with LAFC taking the lead in the 16th minute, courtesy of Cifuentes, who headed in a Acosta corner. The rest of the first half went with the same intensity but without a goal.
10 minutes into the second half and LA Galaxy leveled the score with a powerful shot from Grandsire. The scores were level only for 15 minutes though as Carlos Vela’s pass found Cifuentes, who scored, and LAFC regained their one-goal lead, which was followed by an Arango’s goal from a Carlos Vela pass taking the score to 3-1.
LA Galaxy tried to fight back with Raveloson scoring in the 80th minute but it turned out to be too late as LAFC took the victory in the ‘El Trafico’.
Aftermath
The victory saw LAFC further strengthen their position at the top of the league table, with second-placed Austin now five points behind. On the other hand, LA Galaxy sit in the fourth position in the league standings.
Bale joined in the celebration with his teammates. He was seen with a microphone, leading a chant, with his teammates throwing water on him.
The former Real Madrid will now have time to prepare and make his debut when LAFC face Nashville on the 18th of July.