Olimpia vs Alajuelense: Battle for Cup Final Spot

MIAMI – The 2025 Concacaf Central American Cup continues with CD Olimpia hosting LD Alajuelense in the Second Leg of their Semifinals series on Thursday at Estadio José de la Paz Herrera Uclés in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The series is levelled at 1-1 after a draw in Costa Rica in the First Leg. Olimpia enters with the advantage on away goals.

Marcos Montiel gave Olimpia the lead in the opening bout, before Anthony Hernández equalized for Alajuelense. The result saw Olimpia extend its unbeaten run in the Central American to eight, having recorded five wins and three draws.

Olimpia and Alajuelense Set for Semifinal Showdown

The Central American Cup reaches its decisive stage as Olimpia of Honduras and Alajuelense of Costa Rica clash for a place in the final. Both clubs, giants of their respective leagues, bring strong form and rich history into this crucial encounter.

The first leg promises intensity and drama as two of Central America’s most successful teams battle for regional supremacy and a spot in the Central American Cup Final.

Olimpia Aiming for Another Title Run

Olimpia, one of Honduras’ most decorated clubs, enters the semifinal with confidence after a solid campaign. Under the leadership of coach Pedro Troglio, the team has combined tactical discipline with attacking flair.
Forward Jerry Bengtson and playmaker Edwin Rodríguez have been key figures, leading Olimpia’s push for another international crown. Troglio has urged his squad to remain composed, knowing that away goals and small margins can decide the outcome at this level.

Alajuelense’s Quest for Redemption

Costa Rican powerhouse Alajuelense arrives at this stage determined to reclaim regional prominence. After strong showings in both the group and knockout rounds, coach Alexandre Guimarães’s side has displayed balance and resilience.
Veteran midfielder Celso Borges and striker Jonathan Moya continue to be vital, providing leadership and experience in high-pressure situations.

The team’s fans are optimistic that this could be the year Alajuelense finally lifts the Central American Cup after several close calls in recent seasons.

Regional Rivalry and High Stakes

Matches between Honduran and Costa Rican clubs always carry extra weight, and this semifinal is no exception. Beyond a place in the final, both sides are also fighting for national pride and a chance to represent their countries on the continental stage.

The winner will not only advance to the Central American Cup Final but also secure valuable points and qualification for upcoming CONCACAF competitions, making this matchup one of the most anticipated of the season.

What to Expect

Fans can expect an intense tactical battle, with Olimpia likely relying on quick transitions and Alajuelense focusing on possession-based play. Both teams have proven their ability to perform under pressure, ensuring an exciting clash that could go down to the final whistle.

The draw also marked the fourth time Los Leones drew on the road in the first leg of the semifinals across all international competitions. The Honduran club has advanced to the Final in all three previous cases. Olimpia will seek to defend its advantage to reach the final of the CAC for the first time.

Two-time reigning champions LD Alajuelense aims to advance to the Final for a third straight year. Los Manudos recorded a draw in the first leg of the semifinals for a third consecutive edition, but first as the home side.

The away goals rule will be used as the first tiebreaker for a draw on aggregate. A 1-1 draw would trigger extra time and a penalty shootout, if necessary, to decide a winner.

The winner of the series will advance to the Final of the 2025 Central American Cup.