SAN PEDRO SULA – High-flyers Real Espana of Honduras and Costa Rican club Alajuelense are set to duel in the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf League semifinals, beginning with Tuesday’s first leg at the Estadio Francisco Morazan in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Home side Real Espana arrive into the affair on a hot streak, with four wins and two draws in their six SCL matches thus far. Three of those wins came against Costa Rican opposition, with Real Espana eliminating Cartagines with a pair of 2-0 wins in the Round of 16, followed by a 3-1 quarterfinal first leg victory against Herediano.
Ramiro Rocca has been one of the stars for the Catracho club, with four goals in the tournament. Aiding the cause has been Jhow Benavidez, with a goal and two assists to go along with 285 completed passes in midfield.
Devron Garcia has provided support in the middle of park with six ball recoveries, giving Real Espana a well-rounded attack going forward.
It will not be an easy task to take down a third Costa Rican club in this tournament. Alajuelense are laden with talent, with players such as Costa Rica World Cup hero Celso Borges, all-time SCL top scorer Johan Venegas (15 goals) and 2020 SCL Golden Ball winner Alexander Lopez.
Another key piece has been Aaron Suarez, with two goals and an assist on top of 232 passes in 436 minutes of action.
While Tuesday night marks the first ever SCL contest between the two clubs, there have been eight all-time Concacaf meetings. Real Espana took home 2-0 and 1-0 wins in the 1991 Concacaf Champions Cup, while Alajuelense amassed a 2W-4D-0L record in their six Copa Interclubes de la UNCAF meetings during 2000 and 2007.
For Real Espana, it is their first ever SCL semifinal, while 2020 champions Alajuelense remain on the hunt to become the first club to win the SCL twice.
Real Espana vs LD Alajuelense
Referee: Cesar Ramos (MEX)
AR1 Alberto Morin (MEX) AR2 Miguel Hernandez (MEX)
4th Official: Marco Ortiz (MEX)
Game Notes Real Espana vs LD Alajuelense