Deportivo Saprissa and Liberia played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Copa Tournament semifinal on March 26. The match took place at Edgardo Baltodano Stadium, with both teams now set to decide the series next Sunday at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa.
The result is significant as Saprissa entered the match with several key players absent due to injuries, national team call-ups, and rest decisions. Despite these absences, including Kendall Waston and Mariano Torres, Saprissa managed to secure an away draw that gives them an advantage heading into their home fixture.
Liberia started strong and opened the scoring early through JoaquÃn Alonso Hernández after a long pass from Fabricio Zúñiga. However, Saprissa responded in the 21st minute when Ariel RodrÃguez equalized following a cross from Marvin LorÃa. Both teams had opportunities throughout the match; Liberia controlled much of the second half but was unable to convert chances into goals.
Saprissa’s lineup included several young players such as Kenneth González and MatÃas Elizondo due to tournament rules requiring minutes for younger athletes. David Guzmán returned from injury for Saprissa during this game after missing three matches.
For Liberia, young talents like Sebastián Padilla, Jared RÃos, Joyfer Chal, and Abner Hudson featured prominently as they have accumulated significant playing time during this tournament. Both squads faced additional absences: Liberia missed Christian Reyes (national team duty) and Mauricio Villalobos (injury), among others.
If neither side pulls ahead after next Sunday’s return leg at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa—scheduled for 4 p.m.—the series will be decided by penalty kicks as extra time is not played in this competition. The winner will advance to face either Puntarenas or Sporting in the final.
