LA Galaxy vs LAFC: Top 5 El Trafico goalscorers

El Trafico has quickly become the most hotly-anticipated rivalry match in Major League Soccer.

Since their first meeting in 2018, LA Galaxy and LAFC have played out some titanic clashes featuring stunning goals, controversial moments, and no end of drama.

Such a fixture is full of heroes and villains, but the ones who are remembered most are the goalscorers. With that in mind, let's take a look at the top five Trafico goalscorers...

5. Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy) - 4 goals

Sebastian Lletget scored the Galaxy's first-ever Trafico goal to cut their deficit to 3-1 in the first meeting between the two clubs. It was a strike that sparked an incredible 4-3 comeback win and Lletget continued to be a thorn in the Black and Gold's side from there.

The USMNT midfielder went on to net another three times across his next 11 appearances against LAFC for the Galaxy, as well as notching an assist. Lletget was never on the losing side in any of the four games he managed a direct goal contribution.

4. Cristian Pavon (LA Galaxy) - 4 goals

Argentine forward Cristian Pavon was the only player able to get close to helping Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his time with the LA Galaxy. He sits level with Lletget on four goals, but goes just ahead on this list by virtue of providing two assists in Trafico play.

Pavon didn't have as much success in this fixture as Lletget but left his mark. And to be honest, he still remains sorely missed since his return to Boca Juniors.

3. Diego Rossi (LAFC) - 6 goals

He's on loan with Fenerbahce now and looks set to make his stay there permanent, but Diego Rossi boasted an incredible goalscoring record for LAFC.

He was particularly lethal against the Galaxy, scoring six goals against LAFC's fierce rivals. Only the Houston Dynamo (7) have felt his wrath more.

Rossi's finest hour in this fixture undoubtedly came as he found the net four times in a 6-2 LAFC win over the Galaxy at the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020.

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (LA Galaxy) - 9 goals

He's not quite the top goalscorer, but there's definitely an argument that Zlatan Ibrahimovic left the biggest mark on this fixture of any player.

The iconic striker came off the bench for his debut in the 71st minute with the Galaxy 3-1 down in the first-ever meeting between these two sides back in March 2018.

20 minutes later, the Galaxy had just sealed a 4-3 win thanks to an Ibrahimovic header, following what is regarded as the best goal in Trafico history. As Fox commentator John Strong put it: "Oh come on! COME ON!"

Zlatan would finish up with nine Trafico goals by the time he left the Galaxy in December 2019, coming out on the losing side just once.

1. Carlos Vela (LAFC) - 10 goals

He scored the first two goals in this fixture - in style, too - so is anyone surprised to see Carlos Vela top of this list?

At his best, the Mexican forward remains the most talented player in MLS, and don't the LA Galaxy know it?!

Vela has scored 10 goals against the Galaxy so far, at least four more than any other opponent, while he's also provided three assists.

Interestingly, though, he's only won two of his eight Traficos so far. A record he'll be looking to improve upon this season.