The third round of the Costa Rican Clausura brings an intriguing clash between CS Cartaginés and Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, two sides with contrasting starts to the new campaign. The match will take place at the José Rafael Fello Meza Stadium, where the home team will look to maintain their early momentum after two consecutive victories. Meanwhile, the visitors aim to turn their solid but unspectacular start into a statement performance away from home. With both teams among the top contenders in the Primera Division, this fixture promises intensity, tactical discipline, and a battle for early supremacy in the standings.

CS Cartaginés: Form and Key Statistics

Cartaginés have begun the Clausura in fine form, securing two important wins, including a 0-2 away victory against Puntarenas on January 18, 2026. Their recent performances show a balanced side capable of grinding out results, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in their last five matches. The team averages 1.2 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game, reflecting a cautious but effective approach.

Across the season, Cartaginés have recorded 9 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses in the Primera Division, averaging 1.1 goals per match while conceding just 0.8. Their defensive consistency has been a key factor, particularly at home, where Under 3.5 goals have been scored in each of their last 20 league matches. In fact, 39 of their last 40 league fixtures have also ended with fewer than four total goals, underlining their preference for tight, low-scoring encounters.

Despite their strong start, home form remains a concern. The Brumosos have only managed two wins in their last five home games, suggesting that the comfort of familiar surroundings has not always translated into dominance. Nevertheless, the emergence of defender Diego González Hernández as a surprising attacking contributor — with two goals in two matches — has added a new dimension to their play.

Liga Deportiva Alajuelense: Form and Key Statistics

Alajuelense have opened the Clausura with two consecutive draws, including a 1-1 result against Pérez Zeledón on January 18, 2026. While they have yet to secure a win, their overall form remains impressive. The Manudos are unbeaten in their last 18 Primera Division matches, a streak that highlights their resilience and consistency. Over their last five games, they have recorded 2 wins and 3 draws, scoring an average of 2.2 goals per match while conceding 1.2.

Season-long statistics further emphasize their strength: 14 wins, 8 draws, and only 2 defeats, with an average of 1.7 goals scored and 0.7 conceded per game. Their away record is particularly noteworthy — just one defeat in their last 15 away fixtures — making them one of the most reliable traveling teams in Costa Rica. However, defensive lapses have occasionally cost them clean sheets, as they have conceded in four of their last five league matches.

From a statistical perspective, Alajuelense’s matches tend to produce moderate goal totals. Under 0.5 goals have been recorded in only 8 of their last 39 league games, while Over 8.5 corners have been taken in each of their last 13 matches, suggesting a dynamic and attacking style that generates plenty of set-piece opportunities. Away from home, they have also seen Under 0.5 goals in just 3 of their last 15 fixtures, reinforcing their offensive intent even on the road.

Head-to-Head and Tactical Overview

Recent meetings between these two sides have favored Alajuelense. In their last five head-to-head encounters, Cartaginés have failed to win, recording 2 draws and 3 defeats, with an average of just 0.4 goals scored per game compared to 1.2 conceded. The most recent clash ended 0-2 in favor of Alajuelense on November 30, 2025, a result that underlines the visitors’ dominance in this fixture.

From a tactical standpoint, Cartaginés will likely rely on their compact defensive structure and quick transitions, hoping to exploit any gaps left by Alajuelense’s adventurous full-backs. The visitors, on the other hand, will aim to control possession and use their attacking depth to break down a disciplined home defense. Given the statistical trends, a low-scoring match seems probable, with both teams cautious not to concede early.

• Cartaginés rank 2nd in the Primera Division, while Alajuelense sit 6th.


• Cartaginés have seen Under 3.5 goals in 39 of their last 40 league matches.


• Alajuelense are unbeaten in 18 consecutive Primera Division games.


• The last head-to-head ended 0-2 in favor of Alajuelense.

CS Cartaginés vs Alajuelense Prediction and Final Analysis

All indicators point to a balanced and competitive encounter. Cartaginés’ defensive discipline and home advantage could make them difficult to break down, but Alajuelense’s unbeaten run and superior away record give them a slight edge. The visitors’ ability to score consistently, combined with their resilience under pressure, may prove decisive in a match where fine margins will matter.

Given the statistical trends — particularly the prevalence of Under 3.5 goals in Cartaginés’ matches and Alajuelense’s strong away form — this fixture is likely to be tight and tactical rather than open and high-scoring. The Brumosos will aim to protect their early-season momentum, while the Manudos will look to extend their unbeaten streak and climb the table.

BetMines prediction: Alajuelense win (2) with a 39% probability. A draw (X) stands at 28%, while a home win (1) is estimated at 33%. Based on current form and head-to-head history, the visitors appear slightly favored to take all three points.