MIAMI – The 2025 Concacaf Central American Cup Final is set, with LD Alajuelense ready to defend its crown against CSD Xelajú MC in the two-legged series.
La Liga returns to the Final with the opportunity to further cement its name in Central American Cup history after winning the title in the first two editions of the tournament, in 2023 and 2024.
LD Alajuelense got its title defense underway with an unforeseen 2-1 loss at home against Plaza Amador, prior bouncing back to close out the Group Stage with three consecutive victories.
The Costa Rican powerhouse topped Managua FC, 2-1, and Alianza FC, 1-nil, in away fixtures, before a 1-nil home win over Antigua GFC to secure its Quarterfinals berth with a second-placefinish in Group A, with a 3-0-1 record for a total nine points.
Next, came a tough challenge against FC Motagua in the Quarterfinals. Following a 1-nil loss at home in the First Leg. Alajuelense conceded first in the Second Leg before Joel Campbell cut the deficit in the 30’, and a dramatic late goal from Diego Campos in the 90’+1’ completed the 2-1 comeback victory in Honduras. With the aggregate tied at 2-2, La Liga won the series on away goals.
The Semifinals pitted the defending champion against another Honduran foe in Club Olimpia. The series opened with a 1-1 draw in Costa Rica, with Anthony Hernández getting onto the scoresheet for Alajuelense.
The Second Leg presented another 1-1 draw, with Hernández once again the scorer, as the match went into extra time. After a scoreless extra time, a penalty shootout was necessary to decide the winner in Honduras. In the thrilling shootout, including a vital save from goalkeeper Washington Ortega, La Liga booked its spot in the upcoming Final with 3-nil win on penalties.
Alajuelense’s journey to the final has seen Hernández as its top contributor in attack, with three goals and one assist. On the other end, Ortega has been ever-present in goal, playing every minute of the campaign in the team’s eight matches thus far and securing two clean sheets in the process. Ortega has made 26 saves and is tied for second place amongst the goalkeepers with the most saves in the 2025 edition.
