The match between Club Sport Cartaginés and Deportivo Saprissa ended in a goalless draw at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium. With this result, Cartaginés became the sole leader of the Torneo Clausura 2026 with 10 points, overtaking Herediano, which remained at nine after losing to Municipal Liberia. Cartaginés also remains unbeaten in the tournament.
Freddy Sontay, assistant coach of Cartaginés, addressed the media after the game since head coach Amarini Villatoro was suspended following an expulsion in their previous match against Alajuelense. Sontay expressed regret that his team could not capitalize on their chances.
“It was a match as we expected, according to Saprissa’s style. They have a direct game with many crosses and set pieces, which are precisely their strengths. We were always attentive to those details so as not to make mistakes,” said Sontay.
He noted that while the contest was intense and closely contested, inefficiency in front of goal prevented Cartaginés from securing a better outcome. “These matches are very tight and decided by details. I think if we had been more daring in defense-to-attack transitions and more vertical, we could have taken something more. In the end, I think it is a fair draw because both teams had chances and we were not effective enough,” he added.
Sontay observed that Saprissa tends to defend deep near its own goal based on their analysis before the game. He stated that Cartaginés lacked patience and effectiveness needed to break through Saprissa’s defense.
“If we had been more effective facing their goal, maybe we would have achieved another result. Combining closer to their area and finishing better was something that cost us dearly. It’s clear we can improve; we’re taking it step by step and what matters is how you finish, not how you start,” said Sontay.
Regarding midfielder José Rodríguez Chiroldes’ injury—he left on a stretcher during the second half—Sontay explained that further medical examinations will be necessary to determine the severity of his right knee injury, including an MRI scan. There is concern it may involve ligament damage.
