ESTELI – Real Esteli of Nicaragua earned their first ever Concacaf Champions Cup victory by defeating seven-time Concacaf champions Club America 2-1 in the first leg of their 2024 Champions Cup Round One series on Tuesday night at the Estadio Independencia in Esteli, Nicaragua.
It was Real Esteli’s first Champions Cup win in 31 matches and gives the Nicaraguans the advantage going into next week’s second leg in Mexico.
Real Esteli were in dreamland early on, as a Byron Bonilla cross struck the hand of a Club America defender, resulting in a penalty. A minute later in the 7’, it was 1-0 to the Nicaraguans when Bonilla calmly converted from the spot.
Club America started to gain a foothold in the match, and they had a golden opportunity to draw level in the 22’, only for Alejandro Zendejas to slice a shot wide.
The Mexican visitors continued to mount pressure on the Real Esteli defense and hand a handful of chances, but there was no way past GK Douglas Forvis.
Just when it looked like an equalizer was coming for Club America, Real Esteli struck again through Marvin Fletes, who steered a perfectly-placed header into net off a corner kick in the 47’ to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.
Real Esteli kept their foot on the gas and Nicolas Maturana Caneo nearly struck for a third in the 53’ but was unable to find the target with time and space at the far post.
Club America looked to finish strong and pull at least one goal back, with Jonathan Rodriguez making himself a nuisance to the Real Esteli.
Club America finally pulled a goal back in the 90’ when Forvis blocked a free kick, but Julian Quinones was there to turn in the rebound for the precious away goal and a 2-1 scoreline.
Despite the late Club America goal, Real Esteli still collected the historic victory, setting up a dramatic second leg next week in Mexico City.
