Angulo, Toril lift Alajuelense over Real Estelí for second consecutive Central American Cup

ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – LD Alajuelense are champions of the 2024 Concacaf Central American Cup after defeating Real Estelí 2-1 in the second leg of the final, winning 3-2 on aggregate, on Wednesday at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

The clubs entered the series tied after a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week. Celso Borges struck the goal for Alajuelense in the opening encounter, while Delis Vargas was on target for Estelí.

Larry Angulo gave the hosts the lead in the 18’ to open the scoring in the second leg with a right-footed shot from outside the box.

Byron Bonilla had a dangerous look for Real Estelí with a right-footed drive from long range, but Alajuelense’s goalkeeper Leonel Moreira responded with a diving save.

Alajuelense increased its lead through Alberto Toril in the 31’, who sent the ball to the back of the net with a second attempt inside the box following a line-splitting ball from Borges. 

Juan Vieyra had a late opportunity in the first half for Real Estelí, with a left-footed strike from the left end of the box in 43’ that was saved by Moreira.

Harold Medina struck from outside the box with a powerful left-footed shot to shorten the deficit for Real Estelí in the 90’+1’ and pull the Nicaraguan side within one on aggregate. 

With Real Estelí one goal from winning on away goals, drama ensued in the closing minutes of the second half. 

Leonel Moreira finished the second leg with six saves as LD Alajuelense held on to win the Central American Cup for a second consecutive edition.

As tournament winners, LD Alajuelense will begin the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup in the Round of 16.