Alajuelense and Xelajú are currently locked in a tense 0-0 draw during the first leg of the 2025 Central American Cup final. The match is taking place at the Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium in Costa Rica, where an early blow came as Joel Campbell missed a penalty just 12 minutes into the match.
The 2025 Central American Cup has reached its pivotal stage, with the showdown for the title between Alajuelense and Xelajú kicking off on Wednesday, November 26, at 8:00 PM. The stakes are high, as the champion will not only be crowned regional champion but will also secure a direct spot in the round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. This direct qualification bypasses preliminary rounds and provides a significant boost both competitively and financially for the club in the coming year.
Alajuelense, the defending champions after winning in 2023 and 2024, approach this match with a wealth of experience and a clear goal: to achieve a historic third consecutive title. Their journey to the final was arduous, but they reaffirmed their status as favorites by overcoming intense competition.
The Costa Rican club advanced to the quarter-finals after a successful group stage, where they later eliminated Motagua in a thrilling series that ended 2-2, qualifying on the away goals rule in the dying minutes. In the semi-finals, they faced off against Olimpia, concluding with a tied aggregate score of 2-2 but dominating the penalty shootout 3-0.
On the other side, Xelajú is having a historic season, reaching their first major international final. The quetzalteco club showcased solid performance throughout the group stage, finishing with three wins and one loss. Their competitive growth has allowed them to establish themselves among the region’s elite, becoming a surprising contender in the tournament.
In the quarter-finals, Xelajú triumphed over Panama’s Sporting San Miguelito with a 3-2 victory after extra time, and in the semi-finals, they advanced past Real España with a tied aggregate score of 2-2, winning 2-1 in the penalty shootout.
Fans can catch the live broadcast of the first leg on ESPN and Disney+ across Central America. The series will conclude one week later, on Wednesday, December 3, with the second leg taking place at the Cementos Progreso Stadium in Guatemala City, Guatemala.