[ad_1]
The countdown begins for the first National Classic of 2024 between Alajuelense CF and Sporting Clube Saprissa, which will take place at the Alejandro Moreira Soto Stadium on Sunday, September 1, at 4 pm, but from this moment the panorama seems likely to be another round trip between the red, black and purple at the international level.
In order for the Costa Rican double classic to play in the CONCACAF Cup semifinals, Alexandre Guimaraes’ side first had to overcome Guatemala Communications in the quarterfinals.
And Vladimir Quesada’s “S” had to do the same against Guatemalan Antigua, who booked their ticket with a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Nacional de Chelato Eucles in Tegucigalpa, home of Honduran Olimpia.
If the team with the most fans in the country tries to balance that, they may not be able to do it. It’s all a matter of fate and football, because if there’s one thing about this regional tournament format, it’s that it’s almost impossible to choose opponents.
Visited: Beware of chaos: the little-remembered rules of Alajuelense and the Central American Cup
Both in the league and in Saprissa they will say that they are moving step by step, but the truth is that in their plans they always like to know the big picture.
Thinking positively, the National Classic could be played in the semifinals, but if the two Costa Rican teams fall into a worst-case scenario and lose their quarterfinal series, they will meet in the play-in round, the last chance to advance to the CONCACAF Champions League.
Those classified as quarter-finalists of the Central American Cup
The rules of the Central American Cup stipulate that the top two teams in each group advance; the leaders are ranked 1 to 4 according to performance, and the runner-up is ranked 5 to 8 according to performance.
There are also regulations for pairings: 1 vs. 8; 4 vs. 5, 2 vs. 7 and 3 vs. 6. These pairings translate into duels between Alajuelense and Correspondence; Saprissa vs. Antigua, Aguila vs. Antigua Real Esteli and Herediano vs. Real Esteli Motagua.
Visited: More money for Alajuelense: Union leaves millionaires spoils behind in Central America group stage
In the semifinals, the winner of the series will meet Alajuelense – Comunications vs. Saprissa – Antigua. And the winner of the Aguila duel – Real Esteli vs. Real Esteli Herediano-Motagua.
Reaching the quarterfinals has become one of the goals for the remaining teams in the Central American Cup, as it means that in addition to continuing to compete for the regional championship, they will also automatically qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League.
The team that loses the next round will enter the play-offs to find the last two teams that qualified for the “Concachampions”.
When is the next CONCACAF Cup match?
CONCACAF will soon release an official calendar with the dates and times of the upcoming matches in the Central American Cup.
However, it is understood that the first leg of the quarter-finals will be held between September 24 and 26; while the return duel will be held between October 1 and 3.
Visited: Saprissa put things back in place and ended up as leaders heading to Alajuelense
Remember that Alajuelense, Águila, Herediano and Saprissa will finish these series at home as winners of their respective groups.
The CONCACAF agenda shows that the semi-finals and playoffs will be held between October 29 and 31, while the rematch will be scheduled between November 5 and 7.
The first leg of the final will be held from November 26 to 28; the Central American champion will receive the crown between December 3 and 5.
Alajuelens and Saprissa almost traveled to Guatemala together
Alajuelens and Saprissa traveled to Guatemala at about the same time.
After the heartbreak of Antigua qualifying, the first leg of the quarter-finals was confirmed, with the Red, Black and Purple teams travelling to the Chapin region on almost the same day.
The Ticos team can even meet at the airport, as can LaLiga and La Liga fans. Era.
Of particular note are the four Costa Rican clubs, three of which qualified as group leaders in the Central American Cup.
[ad_2]
Source link
