Ibrahimovic Puts On Ferrari-Like Display, Nets Hat Trick in El Trafico

"I'm a Ferrari among Fiats." Zlatan Ibrahimovic backed up his comments with a magnificent hat trick and helped the Galaxy grab a 3-2 win against LAFC on Friday at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The build up to the derby heated up earlier this week when the Swedish star was asked if if he thought he was better than LAFC's star and captain Carlos Vela, who is also the league's top scorer.

“By far, because if he's in his prime. How old is he? 29,” said Ibrahimovic via ESPN. “And he's playing in MLS and he's in his prime. When I was 29, where was I? (Europe). Big difference.”

He also described himself as a Ferrari among Fiats, comparing himself to the rest of the league. Arrogant it may seem to some. But on Friday night, as it has ussually been the case throughout his career, Ibrahimovic backed up his comments.

The game's action intensified right from the get go when Carlos Vela earned a penalty in the first moments of the game. With the 1-0 lead, he reached the 20th-goal mark, making him the fastest player to do so in MLS history.

#LAFC’s Carlos Vela makes it 20 goalsin 20 matches. Fastest player to reach that number in @MLS history (via @LAFC) pic.twitter.com/GcySR8MGWS
— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) July 20, 2019

Vela has been the best goal scorer in MLS this year and is on pace for a record season, now leading MLS's scoring tally with 21 goals. Zlatan, however, answered back with a majestic solo effort to make it 1-1.

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?! Zlatan with a bit of absolute magic for the equalizer (via @MLS) pic.twitter.com/6ErRG8W8Go
— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) July 20, 2019

After the first half ended in a stalemate, Zlatan took complete control of the contest in the second and scored two more to give himself a hat trick as the Galaxy won a 3-2 win after Vela's late effort in stoppage time was not enough for a complete comeback.

It had to be him! Zlatan with the header to put the Galaxy ahead (via @MLS) pic.twitter.com/Ki9dN5cH6I
— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) July 20, 2019

He tried to tell you! A true Ferrari among Fiats! Zlatan with the hat trick (via @MLS) pic.twitter.com/ERsdq8bWTM
— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) July 20, 2019

After the game, Ibrahimovic went back to his previous statements. “The Ferrari had a lot of fuel tonight” he said. “I told you I would make them famous, and I would make them remember me, now the have another statement for that.”

LA Galaxy are now nine points behind LAFC in the Western Conference table. But more importantly, Zlatan once again, proved his worth.