Saprissa Enter Clásico on Fire Against Alajuelense

Costa Rica’s fiercest rivalry is set to ignite again this Monday, as Alajuelense host Saprissa in a high-stakes Matchday 19 clash of the Clausura 2025 season. As reported by EFE, the buildup was jolted by Alajuelense’s decision to part ways with head coach Alexandre Guimaraes. Yet the story took another turn hours later, when the club confirmed the return of its most decorated manager: Óscar “Machillo” Ramírez.

Ramírez, who won five titles with Alajuelense, takes the reins at a critical time. The team sits third in the standings with 34 points, just three ahead of Saprissa and Cartaginés. With three rounds left, a loss in the clásico could push the Manudos out of the top four and place their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, Saprissa arrive in top form. Since Paulo Wanchope’s appointment in March, the Morados have won four straight and surged back into contention. Now on equal points with Cartaginés (31), Saprissa aim to land a major blow at the Estadio Morera Soto and leapfrog their eternal rivals.

Beyond the table, emotions will run high. Ramírez’s return to the sidelines adds a layer of nostalgia and urgency to a match that could define the season’s trajectory for both sides.

Elsewhere, league leaders Herediano (38 pts) will host bottom-dwellers Santa Ana on Sunday, while second-place Puntarenas (36) visit Santos on Saturday. Cartaginés will automatically earn three points due to Guanacasteca’s administrative disqualification.

The round also features Liberia vs. San Carlos and Sporting vs. Pérez Zeledón. Still, the spotlight remains fixed on Monday’s clásico: Ramírez is back, Saprissa are flying, and the battle for playoff spots has never been more intense.