Fernando Lesme scores for Costa Rica’s Herediano

Fernando José Lesme scored from the penalty spot, but defending champion Herediano lost 3-2 to Pérez Zeledón and remained at the bottom of Costa Rica’s Apertura tournament with four points.

Saprissa strengthened its lead by beating Alajuelense 2-0 in the national classic. The victory ended Alajuelense’s unbeaten home run against Saprissa, which had lasted more than three years. Saprissa now has 18 points, seven more than Alajuelense, who dropped to fifth place.

The match was level during the first half, but a blackout forced a stoppage of about 15 minutes and changed the game’s momentum. Orlando Sinclair opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, and Sebastián Acuña doubled Saprissa’s lead in the 52nd minute after a mistake by Uruguayan goalkeeper Washington Ortega. Alajuelense finished with 10 players after 16-year-old Kyan McDonald received a second yellow card.

The result increased pressure on Alajuelense coach Ismael Rescalvo, whom some supporters sent off with chants of “out.” Cartaginés beat Puntarenas 3-1 to move second on 15 points. Inter San Carlos has 13 points, while Sporting has 11. Puntarenas was reduced to nine players after Walter Cortés and Krisler Villalobos were sent off, and Giancarlo Castro scored twice to complete Cartaginés’ victory. Elsewhere, Inter San Carlos beat Escorpiones 2-0, and San Carlos defeated Sporting 1-0.

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