Alajuelense, Real Estelí out to claim title in second leg of Central American Cup Final

MIAMI – LD Alajuelense hosts Real Estelí in the second leg of the 2024 Concacaf Central American Cup Final on Wednesday at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

The series is tied after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Estelí, Nicaragua. Delis Vargas scored the lone goal for last year’s runners-up, while Celso Borges got on the scoresheet for defending champions Alajuelense.

Alajuelense enters the second leg unbeaten all-time in the CCAC, boasting 13 wins and six draws. The Costa Rican side is focused on winning a second consecutive Central American Cup title and eighth overall international trophy. The reigning champions will also look to extend their positive momentum in home games, with wins in three of their past four home games in international competitions.

Diego Campos has scored six goals and leads the scoring charts in this year’s edition while also tallying an assist. Goalkeeper Leonel Moreira has also been one of the top performers for Alajuelense, recording 27 saves this campaign.

Real Estelí will look to its solid defensive unit to secure its first international title, registering eight clean sheets in 19 all-time CCAC matchups.

Byron Bonilla has been a top contributor in attack for Real Estelí in the current edition with three goals and two assists. On the defensive side, Ebert Martínez has been a leader at the back with 18 ball recoveries. 

The meeting marks the fourth-ever encounter between the clubs in the Central American Cup and the 11th all-time between them across all competitions. Alajuelense leads the series with eight wins, while the other two matches resulted in draws.

A winner in the match would win the series on aggregate due to the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw. Away goals will determine the winner if the series ends in a draw. A repeat result from the first leg would force the series into extra time, if necessary, and a penalty shootout.