Saprissa and Alajuelense Draw 3-3 in Thrilling, Rain-Soaked First Leg Final

Saprissa and Alajuelense delivered a dramatic 3-3 draw on Sunday in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 Final. The match at Ricardo Saprissa Stadium featured comebacks, weather delays, and last-minute heroics, setting the stage for a decisive return leg on Wednesday at Morera Soto.

Saprissa dominated the first half, with goals from Fidel Escobar (33') and Óscar Duarte (45+5') giving them a 2-0 lead. But Alajuelense stormed back after halftime. Jeison Lucumí (63'), Alejandro Bran (66'), and Celso Borges (penalty, 80') turned the game around. Yet, in stoppage time, substitute Orlando Sinclair salvaged the draw with a right-footed strike in the 94th minute.

The game was halted for nearly 20 minutes due to heavy rain, which flooded parts of the pitch. Still, both teams pushed forward and created a memorable match that left everything to be decided in the second leg.

This is the ninth time the rivals meet in a Clausura final stage, with Saprissa holding a 5-3 edge in past series. With Herediano awaiting the winner, the national championship remains wide open.