The Climax of the Costa Rican football season kicked off last night with La Liga taking on the league favorites’ Saprissa. The game started off as any classic match does with some very tentative and cautious attacking play. Alajuela appeared the stronger side at the beginning with an early chance from Pablo Herrera which was snuffed out by the steady hands of Saprissa goal keeper Keylor Navas.

It was obvious early on that Saprissa were lacking urgency in their attack and it became clear that they were relying on the magic cards up their sleeves in the forms of the speedy Alejandro Alpizar and the skills of Alonso Solis.

This didn’t pay off for the ‘S’ and after 37 minutes Daniel played a low driven cross into the box which was poorly cleared. Pablo Herrera reacted quickly and connected with the ball on the half volley driving it into the top corner leaving Saprissa stunned.

It is said that bad luck comes in three’s, and the second blow came just minutes after the goal as Saprissa’s Andres Nunez received a second yellow card forcing him to watch the remainder of the game on television.

At the break Saprissa’s tactical magician Jeaustin Campos tried to make a few changes which was evident in the manner in which the team started the second half. This was unfortunately in vain as the third and final swoop of bad luck hit Saprissa. Liga’s Juavez took a freekick outside of the area which was deflected into the back of the net putting the favorites at a two goal deficit.

The remaining minutes of the second half were hard fought however La Liga were able to hold onto their lead giving them a two goal advantage ahead of next weeks game. The second leg will be played at Saprissa at 7 pm next Saturday.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News, Sports on December 18th, 2008