Herediano moved to the top of the standings after matchday 14 of the Torneo de Clausura 2026, following a series of closely contested games played after a break for FIFA dates and Easter week.
The latest results have intensified both the race for playoff spots and the fight to avoid relegation. Herediano currently holds first place with 28 points, maintaining a narrow lead over Saprissa and Cartaginés. Liberia has also climbed into fourth place, while Liga Deportiva Alajuelense dropped to fifth after drawing at home against Guadalupe.
The round began with Cartaginés briefly taking the lead on Thursday by defeating Sporting 3-2, reaching 26 points. However, Saprissa overtook them on Sunday by beating Pérez Zeledón 4-0 and moving up to second place with 27 points. Herediano then reclaimed first position later that day by winning away at Puntarenas FC thanks to a goal from Marcel Hernández.
Alajuelense’s draw against Guadalupe left them with just one point from their last game, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy as they now sit outside the top four. Meanwhile, Liberia took advantage by defeating San Carlos decisively and moving into fourth place under coach José Saturnino Cardozo.
At the lower end of the table, San Carlos faces renewed pressure as Guadalupe’s draw gives them hope of avoiding relegation. The remaining rounds are expected to be decisive both for teams chasing postseason play and those fighting to stay in Costa Rica’s top division.
Upcoming fixtures include key matches such as Liberia versus Cartaginés on April 17th and Alajuelense facing Saprissa on April 19th. The final rounds will see all crucial games scheduled simultaneously if necessary.
