Real Estelí earns 3-1 victory over Alianza FC

Real Estelí scores twice in the first half on its way to a 3-1 victory over Alianza FC in Group B.

Estelí, Nicaragua - The 2026 Concacaf Central American Cup continued on Tuesday with Real Estelí earning a 3-1 victory over Alianza FC in Group B at Estadio Independencia in Estelí, Nicaragua.

The hosts wasted no time opening the scoring as Héctor Aranda connected on a diving header off a set piece just four minutes into the match.

Real Estelí doubled its lead in the 29’ when Emanuel Casado tapped one in from near the penalty spot.

Gustavo Souza helped Alianza FC cut into the deficit with a strong left-footed strike off the bounce in the 64’.

The Nicaraguan club secured the three points in the 89’ as Joab Gutiérrez hit a powerful low shot from inside the box.

Real Estelí FC will continue its Central American Cup campaign against CS Herediano on Tuesday, August 18. Alianza FC will visit CD Marathón in its next encounter on Wednesday, August 19.

Match Stats

• Real Estelí are unbeaten in their last eight home matches in the Concacaf Central American Cup (W6 D2), conceding no more than one goal in any of those games.
• Alianza FC's (SLV) Gustavo Sousa is only the second player to score agoal in the Concacaf Central American Cup after coming on as a substitute, alongside William Osorio against Antigua GFC. In the 2025 edition, none of their substitutes managed to score.
• Real Estelí's Jonh Faust made five saves in this match, the joint-most bya Real Estelí goalkeeper in the Concacaf Central American Cup across the last two editions, level with Faust himself against Antigua GFC earlierthis year (five).
• Real Estelí's Héctor Aranda, who scored one of the goals for the Trendel Norte tonight, has been involved in three goals for his team in the Concacaf Central American Cup across the last two editions (two goals,one assist). Only Byron Bonilla (four) has more goal involvements for Real Estelí in the competition during this period.
• Joab Gutiérrez's goal at 88:49 was Real Estelí's latest goal in the Concacaf Central American Cup across the last two editions, surpassing Edgar Castillo's goal at 86:59 against Antigua GFC earlier this year.