Vela scores twice but Zlatan and Galaxy steal first LA derby with sensational comeback

LA Galaxy beat LAFC 4-3 to claim victory in the very first LA derby, after sensationally coming from three goals down.

Carlos Vela gave LAFC a five-minute lead when the Mexican international swept home a brilliant left footed shot past David Bingham.

Vela then doubled the lead in the 26th minute after cutting a path to goal from a Diego Rossi pass and chipping the ball onto the crossbar and over the line.

LAFC finished the first half applying an almost embarrassing dominance over their rivals, and shortly after thee break they made it three when Daniel Steres swept in a Marcos Ureña cross into his own net.

LAFC fans were determined to savor the moment, but a series of “ole” chants went completely wrong when a mistaken pass from the LAFC defense landed on Sebastian Lletget, who handed the Galaxy a lifeline with a first-time finish.

Needing two goals to tie it and driven by the home fans, Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid decided to introduce new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 71st minute.

Two minutes later, the Galaxy showed they were alive, and a Chris Pontius header put the home team within one.

The Galaxy would then complete the comeback in one of the most amazing ways possible. Zlatan volleyed a 40-yard rocket past the LAFC keeper to put the score at 3-3.

After previously sitting in desolation, the Galaxy supporters were now in ecstasy and contemplating a victory. A victory they would eventually get in the 90th minute when Zlatan appeared with little marking inside the box to power a header into the back of the net and give the Galaxy a memorable 4-3 win over their rivals.