Liga Deportiva Alajuelense secured a 2-1 victory over Saprissa FF in the first women’s clásico of the 2026 Clausura tournament, held at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. The match began with an early goal by Fabiola Villalobos, who scored within the first 30 seconds after receiving a cross from Lixy Rodríguez. This opening goal came before any Saprissa player had touched the ball.
Alajuelense continued to apply pressure, and in the 27th minute, Rodríguez extended the lead with an individual effort that capitalized on loose marking by Kyoka Koshijima. “After a poor mark by Japanese player Kyoka Koshijima, Lixy Rodríguez shone with a play reminiscent of Lionel Messi, scoring the second goal for the national non-champions,” as reported during the match.
Saprissa struggled to respond offensively in the first half, registering their first off-target shot only in the 41st minute following a cross from Carolina Venegas. At halftime, Alajuelense led 2-0.
The second half saw Saprissa return with renewed energy. Gloriana Villalobos and Catalina Estrada both tested Alajuelense’s defense early after halftime. A key moment occurred when defender Marilenis Oporta temporarily left for medical attention; during this period of defensive disorganization, Carolina Venegas scored for Saprissa in the 63rd minute to narrow the deficit to 2-1.
Despite increased pressure from Saprissa in the final stages of the game—including a controversial incident involving Emelie Valenciano and Carolina Venegas—no further goals were scored. Alajuelense maintained their lead and took all three points from this encounter.
Elsewhere in league action on Friday, Dimas Escazú defeated Moravia 3-0 with goals from Hillary Bravo, Pamela Elizondo, and Brina Micheels. Chorotega achieved a turnaround after their previous heavy defeat against Saprissa FF by winning 2-1 over Herediano; Karla Jiménez and Mirly Matarrita scored for Chorotega while Jeimy Umaña netted for Herediano.
The second round of matches in the Clausura continues Saturday with Pococí facing Sporting at Estadio Ebal Rodríguez at 6 p.m.
Attendance at Morera Soto was boosted by free entry announced by Alajuelense prior to kickoff—a move aimed at encouraging greater public support for women’s football during this high-profile fixture between two major rivals.
