LA Galaxy vs LAFC: Top 5 goals in El Trafico history, from Zlatan to Vela

It may have only been around for four years, but El Trafico has fast become the most entertaining fixture in the Major League Soccer calendar.

The LA Galaxy and LAFC share a rivalry more intense and organic than most you'll find across the league. And already in its short history, El Trafico has served up some iconic, incredible moments and jaw-dropping drama.

There has never been a goalless draw between these two and that means we've witnessed some truly stunning golazos. Here, 90min ranks the top five:

5. Carlos Vela (03-31-18)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic ended up stealing the show, but it was Carlos Vela who scored the first-ever goal between these two rivals.

As soon as Vela chopped inside and curled home the first goal in Trafico history, we should have known what we were in for with this rivalry.

This was a trademark Vela strike that few in MLS can repeat.

4. Carlos Vela (03-31-18)

Vela wasn't done there and went on to put LAFC 2-0 up just 20 minutes later. Take a look at the patience, composure, and execution from the Mexican on this strike.

Just like his opener, Vela has scored this sort of goal time and again in MLS, teasing defenders and making them look remarkably stupid.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (07-19-19)

Here he is. The one, the only, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

We think you already know which Zlatan goal will come up later in this list but for now, enjoy watching the iconic striker take a ball out of the sky and make fools of two LAFC defenders before smashing the ball into the net.

Unlike Vela's two most memorable Trafico goals, this strike helped deliver a win, too, with the Galaxy coming out on top 3-2 in July 2019 thanks to a, yes you guessed it, hat-trick from Zlatan.

2. Brian Rodriguez (08-28-21)

Given his immense ability, Brian Rodriguez hasn't even come close to reaching his potential in an LAFC jersey. But nobody can ever take away his stunning Trafico goal in August 2021's 3-3 draw.

The Uruguayan winger beat no fewer than three LA Galaxy defenders and put another one on his backside before firing the ball into the roof of Jonathan Bond's goal.

You could call it bad defending, but that would be doing such an injustice to the skill of Rodriguez.

1. Zlatan Ibrahmovic (03-31-18)

"Oh come on! COME ON!"

Fox commentator John Strong said it all when Zlatan introduced himself to MLS with not only the greatest goal in Trafico history, but one of the best the league has ever seen.

Absolute unadulterated Zlatan brilliance. And not only that, he would go on to score the winner in added time after this stunning effort made it 3-3 on his LA Galaxy debut.

Ibra doesn't do half measures.