After a pulsating 1-1 first-leg draw in Costa Rica on October 23 where Alajuelense’s Anthony Hernández equalized in the 78th minute from a clever Alexander López assist, canceling out Yustin Arboleda’s opener, Olimpia vs Alajuelense is back at Estadio Nacional in Tegucigalpa for the decisive second leg.
The Honduran champions, who dominated possession (58%) but squandered chances in San José, boast a near-full squad with no fresh injuries reported, though long-term defender Diego Rodríguez (knee) remains sidelined until December.
Coach Pedro Atala emphasizes “home fortress mode” ahead of a raucous crowd, with Yustin Arboleda (5 goals in the tournament) fit and firing.
Alajuelense, the reigning Central American Cup champions and unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, carry momentum from a midweek 2-0 league victory over Herediano.
However, they will be without starting goalkeeper Washington Ortega, sidelined with a hand fracture sustained in training on October 25 and out until mid-November. Bayron Mora steps in after an impressive domestic debut.
Yael López (winger, hamstring niggle) is probable but monitored, as Hernán Medford eyes an away upset to reach the final. With away goals no longer decisive and extra time looming if tied, this aggregate decider could define Central America’s elite for 2025.
Olimpia vs Alajuelense – Concacaf Central American Cup Date, Time, Predictions, and More
The return leg of this Concacaf Central American Cup semifinal promises fireworks at Estadio Nacional, pitting Olimpia’s high press against Alajuelense’s counter-threat in a do-or-die clash. Kickoff is on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 8:00 PM CST (9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT).
USA and Canada fans, it’s prime evening viewing; Australians, tune in early Friday morning.
Predictions lean toward an Olimpia 2-1 win (3-2 aggregate), capitalizing on home dominance (unbeaten in 12 of 13 this year) and Alajuelense’s road vulnerabilities (two losses in five away ties).
This preview unpacks the tactical battle, live streams, and stats for your Central American Cup immersion.
Team News and Analysis
Olimpia’s season has been a wild ride—leading Honduras’ Apertura with 22 points from 10 matches—but the first-leg draw highlighted their struggles in finishing (14 shots, 4 on target).
No new injuries to report: midfielder Jorge Álvarez has recovered from a minor thigh issue picked up during international duty, and the squad rotates smoothly except for Diego Rodríguez (knee injury, back in December).
José Pinto adds creativity with 2 assists in 7 games, linking midfield to attack, while Kevin Guíti provides defensive stability (1 assist, 85% pass accuracy). Atala’s 4-3-3 formation excels at home, averaging 2.1 goals per game and forcing 15 turnovers per match through pressing—perfect against Alajuelense’s build-up style.
Alajuelense sits second in Costa Rica’s Apertura with 20 points from 10 games, riding a seven-game unbeaten streak despite Ortega’s absence (hand injury, out until mid-November). Mora, his 22-year-old deputy, impressed with a clean sheet in the last match.
Yael López (hamstring) is training lightly but will start if deemed fit; otherwise, the squad is fully available, with summer signing Jeison Lucumí (3 goals) adding width.
Alexander López’s playmaking (4 assists) supports Joel Campbell’s experience (3 goals) in a 4-3-3 formation that averages 1.6 goals on the road. Medford’s compact setup thrives in transitions but concedes 1.2 goals per away game.
Analysis: Olimpia’s 55% home possession clashes with Alajuelense’s counters, but the hosts’ set-piece edge (30% goals) targets the visitors’ zonal weaknesses.
Fatigue favors Olimpia post-rest; expect a cagey opener exploding second half, with subs like Kevin López swinging it.
Olimpia vs Alajuelense Head-to-Head Record
Olimpia leads this rivalry with 4 wins out of 7 meetings compared to Alajuelense’s 1, alongside 2 draws.
The Hondurans claimed victory in the last two encounters (2-1 in a 2024 friendly, 1-0 in the 2023 Cup), but the first leg’s draw levels recent momentum. Matches average 2.0 goals and are often close, with late-game drama.
All-time H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2025 | Concacaf Central American Cup | Alajuelense 1-1 Olimpia | 1-1 |
| Jul 20, 2024 | Friendly | Alajuelense 1-2 Olimpia | 1-2 |
| Mar 15, 2023 | Concacaf Central American Cup | Olimpia 1-0 Alajuelense | 1-0 |
| Oct 7, 2022 | Concacaf Central American Cup | Alajuelense 1-1 Olimpia | 1-1 |
| Jun 29, 2021 | Friendly | Olimpia 2-0 Alajuelense | 2-0 |
Olimpia’s Estadio Nacional stronghold (3 wins, 1 draw in 4) amps the pressure for the decider.
Olimpia vs Alajuelense Predicted XI Lineups
Olimpia Starting XI (4-3-3):
Menjívar; Orellana, Maldonado, Guíti, Álvarez; Montiel, K. López, Pinto; Arboleda, Benguché, J. Pinto.
Alajuelense Starting XI (4-3-3):
Mora; Madriz, Arauz, Calvo, Taylor; Moreira, Cédeno, A. López; Lucumí, Hernández, Campbell.
These draw from Atala and Medford’s Wednesday briefings: Olimpia unleashes Arboleda right with Pinto left for width; Alajuelense pivots Mora in goal, López probable wide. Subs like Sabillón (Olimpia) and Vijil (Alajuelense) for dynamism.
Key Players
- Olimpia: Yustin Arboleda – The forward’s pace and finishing (5 goals, 2 assists in tournament) dismantled Alajuelense first leg; his 2.8 dribbles per game target flanks for a home heroics.
- Alajuelense: Anthony Hernández – Midfielder’s equalizer sealed the draw (4 goals total); 1.9 key passes per game drive transitions—his set-piece nous (25% goals) tests Olimpia’s wall.
Olimpia vs Alajuelense Match Prediction
Olimpia’s raucous home support and press overwhelm Alajuelense’s grit in a semifinal epic, flipping the tie with Arboleda’s flair and set-piece strikes. The visitors counter valiantly but succumb late. Predicted score: Olimpia 2-1 Alajuelense (3-2 aggregate). Extra time avoided, Lobos to final.
Where to Watch Olimpia vs Alajuelense in the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe
Watch Olimpia take on Alajuelense live with these Concacaf Central American Cup streams, tailored for viewers around the world:
- USA: Concacaf GO app (free) or Tubi (free Spanish/English). Starts 9:00 PM ET.
- Canada: OneSoccer exclusive. 9:00 PM ET kickoff.
- Australia: Concacaf YouTube/Facebook (free); beIN Sports select. Begins 2:00 PM AEDT (Oct 31).
- Europe: Concacaf GO/YouTube (free); Sky Sports highlights. Local: beIN Sports (Spain/France), DAZN (Germany/Italy).