Vargas, Borges trade goals as Real Estelí and Alajuelense draw in first leg of Central American Cup Final | OneFootball

ESTELÍ, Nicaragua – Real Estelí FC and LD Alajuelense shared the spoils, playing to a 1-1 draw, in the first leg of the 2024 Concacaf Central American Cup Final on Wednesday at Estadio Independencia in Estelí, Nicaragua.

The hosts took the lead in the 13’ as Delis Vargas scored the opener for Real Estelí off a finish from close range, capitalizing on a delivery from Byron Bonilla.

Celso Borges equalized for Alajuelense in the 36’, converting from the penalty spot to tie the match.

The visitors had a late chance in the first half, in 41’, with a shot from Diego Campos from inside the box cleared over the line by Real Estelí’s back line.

Pablo Gallego had a late chance for the hosts in the 83’, but his right-footed attempt inside the penalty area missed the target.

Real Estelí goalkeeper Jason Vega finished the night with five saves, including a pivotal stretch in the opening minutes to deny the visitors twice on a free-kick opportunity.

LD Alajuelense Leonel Moreira provided four saves for the defending champions.

Real Estelí and Alajuelense will meet again next Wednesday in Costa Rica for the second leg of the series. The aggregate score winner will be crowned champion of the 2024 Central American Cup and earn a bye to the Round of 16 of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.