LD Alajuelense rallies past Diriangén FC in Group A

LD Alajuelense came from behind to remain perfect in Group A.

Managua, Nicaragua - The 2026 Concacaf Central American Cup continued with LD Alajuelense earning a 3-1 win over Diriangén FC in Group A on Tuesday at Estadio Nacional in Managua, Nicaragua.

Diriangén FC quickly found the back of the net when Christian Reyes converted a header off a corner kick delivery just three minutes into the match.

The visitors responded six minutes later when Jeison Lucumí sent in a low cross and John Ruiz met the pass and beat the keeper with a shot in the 9’.

The reigning, three-time Central American Cup champions took the lead in the 48’ when a deflection landed at Ronaldo Cisneros’ feet in the middle of the box, and the forward struck a shot into the back of the net. Cisneros has now scored in both of Alajuelense’s wins in this year’s edition of the tournament.

The Costa Rican powerhouse sealed the three points in the 90+6’ when Anthony Hernández received a ball at the edge of the box, turned past his defender and finished to secure the victory.

LD Alajuelense will continue its title defense against L.A. Firpo on August 20. Diriangén, meanwhile, will also face L.A. Firpo next, playing the Salvadoran club next Thursday.

Match Stats

• LD Alajuelense have won a Concacaf Central American Cup match after conceding the first goal for the first time since their 2-1 away win against Motagua in October last year.
• LD Alajuelense have extended their unbeaten away run in the Concacaf Central American Cup to 15 matches (W10 D5). They have only failed to score in one ofthose games (0-0 against Antigua in 2024).
• LD Alajuelense's Ronaldo Cisneros has scored in four consecutive Concacaf Central American Cup matches, after failing to score in his previous four gamesin the competition.
• Diriangén's Anyelo Velázquez made five tackles against LD Alajuelense, the most of any player for his team in this Concacaf Central American Cup match. Across the last two seasons, he has made 21 tackles in the competition, the most of any Diriangén player.
• LD Alajuelense's John Ruíz had four attempts, including one goal, against Diriangén. This is the joint-most shots by a defender in this Concacaf Central American Cup, level with Xelajú's Jesús López against LD Alajuelense.