LD Alajuelense manager Óscar Ramírez praised final opponent CS Cartaginés as a formidable side assembled by a tactical mastermind ahead of the upcoming Copa Centroamericana championship series. Alajuelense advanced to the regional tournament’s final round after defeating FC Motagua 2-1 on Thursday night, positioning the club to chase its fourth regional title.

Alajuelense Secures Berth Despite Late-Game Complications

The victory over Motagua showcased Alajuelense’s resilience, though defensive complications nearly marred the closing minutes of the match. While the rojinegros established a 2-1 advantage, missed scoring opportunities prevented the club from putting the fixture out of reach before Motagua struck back.

“The team has shown character to reach so many finals. The team demonstrated that it is a team of finals,” Ramírez stated following the match. Reflecting on the nervous finish, the manager added, I internalize what the boys go through, the physical wear and tear and getting to those minutes… It would have been very important to score a third goal. Being old in this business, you see that we are not finishing games off and something like what happened can happen.

Ramírez Evaluates Cartaginés as Championship Rivals

With the regional title series set, Ramírez turned his attention to the domestic clash against Cartaginés. The veteran coach emphasized the quality of the opposing roster and the tactical construction executed by their technical staff. Cartaginés is a great team and a professor who put together a great roster. They are a great rival, Ramírez noted.

The impending series guarantees a high-stakes domestic showcase on the international stage, featuring two clubs from Costa Rica vying for continental silverware. Ramírez underscored the developmental and competitive value of such high-pressure matches for his players. It is important that the boys play in finals. When it is at the national level, it is important for everyone, he concluded.