Los Angeles: Zlatan and El Tráfico

Derbies don't always live up to the hype.

This one exceeded it.

Down 3-0 at home with a half-hour to play, the LA Galaxy looked set for a humbling defeat against their new rivals, LAFC.

Then, Zlatan Ibrahimović happened.

Making his MLS debut in the 71st minute, the superstar signing led the Galaxy to a legendary victory that is nearly impossible to believe.

After a dominant hour, LAFC fans began chanting "olé!" with each completed pass—but this taunting soon turned to haunting as it all went wrong for the Black & Gold.

In an ending that would be shredded on Hollywood desks for being too unrealistic, the Galaxy pulled two quick goals back before the Swedish showman nailed a 40-yard sidewinding volley and a last-minute header to seal derby glory, crosstown bragging rights, and the title of "Greatest MLS Match of All-Time."

From the lens of the remarkable Hana Asano, and courtesy of LA Galaxy, please enjoy these shots from a match for the ages—the first-ever El Tráfico.

The lion delivered.