MIAMI – The 2025 Concacaf Central American Cup continues with CS Cartaginés hosting CD Olimpia in the opening match of their Quarter Finals series on Thursday at Estadio José Rafael "Fello" Meza in Cartago, Costa Rica.

Cartaginés is set for a second Quarter Finals appearance after securing its spot with a second-place finish in Group C, posting a 2-1-1 record for a total seven points. Johan Venegas starred for Cartaginés throughout the Group Stage, with five goals to currently claim the lead as the top scorer this 2025 edition.

 

 

Olimpia will be one of five debutants in the Quarter Finals. Los Leones advanced to the Knockout Stage by winning Group D with 10 points and a 3-1-0 record. Jorge Benguché has been the top provider in attack for the Honduran club with four goals and is tied for second amongst the top scorers.

 

 

The occasion presents the first meeting between the sides in the Central American Cup and second overall in their history. The only prior encounter was in the Central American zone of the 1989 Concacaf Champions Cup, with Olimpia earning a 3-nil win.

Historical series 

CS Cartaginés and CD Olimpia will meet for the first time in the Concacaf Central American Cup.

CS Cartaginés returns to the Quarterfinals with sights set on advancing

The only previous participation of CS Cartaginés in the CCAC was in 2023, when they were eliminated by LD Alajuelense with a 6-1 aggregate score.

Olimpia makes its Quarterfinals debut

The current Honduran champions are making their first appearance in the Quarterfinals after frustrating exits in 2023 and 2024.

36 years later, they meet again in a Concacaf tournament

The only prior encounter between CS Cartaginés and CD Olimpia was in the Central American zone of the 1989 Concacaf Champions Cup, where Los Leones won 3-0 with a brace from Juan Carlos Espinoza and a goal from Eugenio Dolmo Flores on June 11, 1989, at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa (HON).

History against CS Cartaginés in knockout series

CS Cartaginés has played 10 two-legged series in its international club history, advancing four times (40%) and being eliminated six times (60%).

Last eliminated by a Honduran club

The last time CS Cartaginés faced a Honduran side in a two-legged series was against Real España in the Scotiabank Concacaf League, where they were eliminated 4-0 on aggregate.

August 18, 2022, Estadio Morazán, San Pedro Sula (HON), Real España 2-0 with goals from Ramiro Rocca and Alejandro Reyes.

August 25, 2022, Estadio José Rafael “Fello” Meza, Cartago (CRC), Real España 2-0 with goals from Jhow Benavídez and an own goal by José Gabriel Vargas.

Olimpia with a negative record in knockout series against Costa Rican clubs

CD Olimpia has faced Costa Rican teams 17 times in two-legged international club series, advancing six times (35%) and being eliminated 11 times (65%).

The last time CD Olimpia played a Costa Rican club in a two-legged series was in the Final of the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf League, against Alajuelense:

October 26, 2022, Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés, Tegucigalpa (HON), Olimpia 3-2 with goals from José Mario Pinto, Jorge Álvarez, and Michaell Chirinos. Alajuelense responded with Johan Venegas (penalty) and Giancarlo González.

November 2, 2022, Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto, Alajuela (CRC), 2-2 draw. Goals for the home side came from Aarón Suárez and Alexis Gamboa, while José Mario Pinto and Gabriel Araújo scored for Olimpia, who lifted the trophy with a 5-4 aggregate victory.