Saprissa and Alajuelense to Meet Again in a Classic-Fueled Clausura Final

Costa Rica’s Clausura 2025 second phase will culminate in the nation’s most iconic football matchup: Saprissa vs. Alajuelense. As reported by El Trece, the Clásico Nacional returns with high stakes, as the winner will move on to face Herediano in the overall league final.

Saprissa booked their place by holding off Herediano’s late push. Despite a 2-0 loss in the return leg, Paulo César Wanchope’s team relied on their 4-0 first-leg lead to advance. Alajuelense, meanwhile, endured a grueling semifinal against Puntarenas FC, finally breaking through in extra time thanks to a goal from Joshua Navarro in the 102nd minute.

The history between the two giants runs deep. This will be their ninth meeting in a second-phase final since the format’s inception in 1993–94, with Saprissa having won five of the previous eight. Sunday’s first leg will be played at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa at 4:00 p.m., with the decisive return set for Wednesday at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.