MIAMI, Florida – Costa Rican giants Deportivo Saprissa will put their legendary comeback pedigree on the line when they meet Real Esteli of Nicaragua in the second leg of their 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday night at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Real Esteli enjoyed a top performance in the first leg in earning a 1-0 victory at home over the Monstruo Morado, but playing away to Saprissa in Concacaf knockout competitions while holding onto a lead is another challenge altogether.
Saprissa’s renowned penchant for second leg comebacks at home is known as ‘Saprihora’ and they will be looking to add another chapter to that legacy against the Pinoleros.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact that not only does the winner of this series advance to the semifinals, but they will also punch their ticket to the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.
History favors Saprissa, who have 4-1 and 3-0 wins against Real Esteli at home in the Estadio Saprissa in past Champions Cup in 1991 and 2014-15, respectively.
This time around they will be looking to players like Javon East, Orlando Sinclair and Ariel Rodriguez for inspiration. Both East and Rodriguez scored three goals in the group stage, while Sinclair has two goals to his name, plus an assist.
If Real Esteli are to emerge from the Costa Rican capital with a semifinal spot, they will need another big display from GK Douglas Forvis, who already has four clean sheets, 11 saves and 11 clearances in the tournament.
Real Esteli are not a team that has a tendency to just sit back and absorb pressure, so attacking players like Juan Barrera, Bancy Hernandez and Byron Bonilla will look to leave their mark. Veteran attacker Barrera has two goals in the tournament, Hernandez scored the lone goal in last week’s first leg and Bonilla has a pair of assists.
A spot in the competition’s final four and a place in the Champions Cup give this encounter all the ingredients needed for a magical night.
Match Officials Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) vs Real Estelí FC (NCA)
REF: ISMAEL CORNEJO (El Salvador)
AR1: GEOVANY GARCIA (El Salvador)
AR2: JOSE ANTONIO MANGANDI (El Salvador)
4TH: JAIME HERRERA (El Salvador)
