It feels fantastic. After claiming their third consecutive El Trafico victory in April 2023, the talisman of Los Angeles FC commented, “I feel like we demonstrated many times that we are superior to them. “After this one, I hope we win more frequently here and prove that we are the team of this city every time we play LA Galaxy,” he said.
The LA Galaxy guards obviously found that to be insulting. When the clubs met again in May of that same year, they proceeded to win 2-0, with Riqui Puig inciting the wrath of LAFC supporters by mocking them in the manner of Lionel Messi. Giorgio Chiellini even referred to Puig as a “clown” for his antics.
Although it is a recent rivalry, the animosities are already strong, and the bragging rights are serious business. El Trafico, a fierce soccer rivalry in Los Angeles, is examined by GOAL.
El Trafico: LA Galaxy at LAFC
The first-ever meeting between the two teams in 2018 gave birth to El Trafico, which duly produced a seven-goal thriller for the Carson sell-out crowd.
With Vela orchestrating the play, LAFC, a newcomer to Major League Soccer, defied the odds by grabbing a 3-0 lead away from home.
The Galaxy, on the other hand, never gave up and managed to score twice before Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a recent acquisition, scored an incredible equaliser. A gasping commentator yelled, “LAFC have just been Zlatan’d,” as the Swede volleyed in a goal from more than 40 yards away.
The LA Galaxy won the inaugural El Trafico 4-3 thanks to two goals from Ibrahimovic who headed in crosses from Ashley Cole.
Which LA team is more successful, LA Galaxy or LAFC?
Los Angeles FC hasn’t been around as long as LA Galaxy, but they’ve had more success. In reality, with five MLS Cups and four Supporters’ Shields under their belts, LA Galaxy was the most successful team in MLS history at the start of 2023.
The stories of El Trafico
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is undoubtedly one of the most legendary players to have played for El Trafico, and although the legendary striker scored nine goals in the games, he still ranks second overall.
Carlos Vela, who has 12 goals in games between the two rivals, is the all-time leading scorer for El Trafico.
What does El Trafico mean?
El Trafico is the nickname for matches between Los Angeles FC and LA Galaxy.
The nickname is a play on two things: the traffic that LA is known for, and the more popular moniker for a football rivalry, El Clasico (The Classic in English).
El Traffico is performed where?
Typically, matches between LAFC and LA Galaxy take place either BMO Stadium, which serves as LAFC’s home field, or Dignity Health Sports Park, the place where The Galaxy calls home.
El Trafico will take place on July 4, 2023, at Pasadena’s venerable Rose Bowl, which can accommodate 92,000 people.