Liga Deportiva Alajuelense secured a 1-0 victory over San Carlos with a late goal from Isaac Badilla in the 90th minute. The decisive play began with a long pass from Joel Campbell, leading to Badilla’s shot on goal. The win was described by head coach Óscar Ramírez as significant for the team, which is still working to regain its usual style of play.
Ramírez expressed satisfaction that substitutes played a key role in resolving the match. “It’s important, there are episodes in which we return to what we were, the people who come off the bench give us solutions and it’s very important to add points,” said Ramírez. He noted that one game remains in this initial stretch of five matches and acknowledged concerns about injuries.
Regarding new signing Malcom Pilone, Ramírez commented: “He is a very interesting young man, we want to have more options and for him to come and understand our way, to adapt; he has the qualities, age, and experience. Hopefully we will have him available soon.”
When asked about his decision to substitute Deylan Paz for Aarón Salazar during the first half, Ramírez explained: “A young player who struggled a bit at the start. It’s the second time I’ve taken off a player in the first half; you understand when things aren’t going well for them. I put him in, but it wasn’t the right moment for him to finish the first half. We opted for Salazar, who has experience and versatility. That’s a big advantage for us and he is very efficient. With his personality, he freed us up and calmed us down.”
On goalkeeper Washington Ortega’s return, Ramírez said: “It’s important; we’re grateful for Diego Cejas’ work along with Álvarez and Bayron Mora. We got Washington back; Concachampions starts in March. I spoke with Carlos Vela about how there is always one main goalkeeper with experience and another proven backup—thank God things worked out as they did. In that department we have guarantees and quality. We wanted to give him some playing time as a way of seeing how he was doing; it reassures us.”
Ramírez also addressed José Alvarado’s return after debuting in 2017: “It was a recommendation—even Mr. Joseph Joseph gave his opinion—and we discussed it with Carlos Vela and Júnior Díaz. He attacks spaces, pivots well, is versatile, doesn’t cause problems—he arrives, does his job seriously—and the group has welcomed him because of his character. You saw what he can offer—the versatility. Mr. Joseph recommended him at some point; so did Carlos. We invited him back and after seeing him these days I decided to keep him.”
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