Real Estelí FC looks to clinch Quarterfinal berth against CS Herediano

Real Estelí in search of third win to remain in command in Group B, Herediano looks to bounce back after defeat

ESTELÍ, Nicaragua - The 2026 Concacaf Central American Cup continues on Tuesday with Real Estelí FC hosting CS Herediano in Group B at Estadio Independencia in Estelí, Nicaragua.

The meeting marks the third encounter between the clubs in Central American Cup, after notably clashing in the Semifinals of the 2024 edition. Real Estelí and Herediano played out 0-0 and 2-2 draws, with Estelí moving on to the Final on away goals.

Real Estelí will look to maintain its momentum after posting wins in its first two Group Stage fixtures. In its most recent match, Estelí secured a 3-1 win at home over Alianza FC, with Héctor Aranda, Emanuel Casado, and Joab Gutiérrez finding the back of the net.

With a win, the Nicaraguan side would secure a spot in the Quarterfinals. A draw and victory for CD Marathón over Alianza would also see Real Estelí book its place in the next round.

Herediano will look to bounce back after its defeat against Alianza in its previous match. The Costa Rican side has recorded a draw and a loss thus far in the competition and enters the match in search of its first victory of the campaign and crucial points in the race for a place in the knockout stage.

Opta Facts: Real Estelí vs. CS Herediano

• Real Estelí and CS Herediano have met twice in the Concacaf Central American Cup, both during the 2024 edition and in the semifinals. Both matches ended in draws: 0-0 in Nicaragua and 2-2 in Costa Rica.
• Real Estelí has avoided defeat in 12 of its 13 home matches in the Concacaf Central American Cup, recording 10 wins and 2 draws. The Nicaraguan club is also enjoying its best-ever home run in the competition, with six consecutive victories followed by two straight draws.
• CS Herediano has the third-highest average starting distance from its own goal when beginning possession sequences in the 2026 Concacaf Central American Cup, at 5 meters. Only FC Motagua (44.0 m) and Antigua GFC (43.9 m) rank higher.
• Real Estelí has the highest proportion of long passes (32 meters or more) in the 2026 Concacaf Central American Cup, with 1% of its passes classified as long. In contrast, CS Herediano has the lowest percentage in the tournament, at 7.7%.
• CS Herediano has the third-oldest average starting lineup in the 2026 Concacaf Central American Cup, with an average age of 31 years and 113 days. Only Club Xelajú (31 years, 271 days) and Verdes FC (31 years, 203 days) have older average starting lineups.