As the Apertura phase of Costa Rica’s Primera División 2025/26 heats up, all eyes turn to San Isidro, where Zeledon faces Alajuelense at the Estadio Municipal Pérez Zeledón on 7 September 2025, kick-off at 05:00 CEST. This clash brings together two sides eager to consolidate their starts in the tournament Zeledon, gritty and opportunistic under coach Luis Orozco, versus Alajuelense, tactical and resolute with Óscar Ramírez at the helm. The venue, famed for its lively atmosphere and unpredictable wind patterns, promises to amplify every challenge and breakthrough on the pitch.
Among the expected protagonists, Zeledon’s attacking dynamo and Alajuelense’s midfield orchestrator Celso Borges warrant close attention. Both are pivotal to their sides’ creative output, with Borges’ passing vision and ability to dictate tempo setting him apart in the league. Meanwhile, Anthony Hernández’s recent scoring form could prove decisive should space open up in Zeledon’s defensive block.
The “hot stat”: Alajuelense has committed 30 fouls across their last five fixtures, their physicality setting the tone but also posing a risk amid a tightly refereed contest.
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Zeledon vs Alajuelense predictions
Me best bet: Alajuelense to Win (Moneyline).
Alajuelense enters this fixture with a superior form trajectory winning five of their last seven games and boasting a 48 percent win rate for the year. Their disciplined defensive structure, combined with greater pass accuracy (an impressive 726 completed passes in their last five),
contrasts with Zeledon’s more erratic performances and a win rate of just 31 percent for 2025. The visitors’ control in midfield, orchestrated by Borges and complemented by the runs of Anthony Hernández, positions them well to exploit transitions and pin Zeledon back.
Zeledon trends towards a compact 4-4-2 shape, seeking direct balls into their forwards but lacking sustained possession phases. Their recent discipline eight yellow cards in five matches suggests vulnerability when pressed, and 13 corners won indicates sporadic attacking flurries. Alajuelense’s style is more assertive; 68 shots in five matches points to creative dynamism, though their 15 yellow cards signal a combative edge that could backfire. Overall, expect a match where Alajuelense’s structured approach frustrates Zeledon’s ambitions.
Prop picks by me:
- ⚽Total Goals: Under 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: No
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 9.5
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Over their recent head-to-head outings, Alajuelense has maintained a razor-thin advantage, taking two victories while Zeledon managed only draws and narrow defeats. Matches have been close, with neither side managing to dominate, but Alajuelense’s attacking output and tactical patience has consistently found the edge in critical junctures a pattern reflected in their superior shot and corner statistics.
🚨Read our full Zeledon vs Alajuelense stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Alajuelense: 71 percent win rate over their last seven matches.
- Zeledon: Just two wins in their last five home fixtures.
- Alajuelense: Most disciplined passing side in the league with nearly 900 completed over five matches.
- Zeledon: Eight yellow cards in last five games; possible disciplinary risk.
- Head-to-head: Alajuelense unbeaten in their last four vs Zeledon.
- Under 2.5 goals scored in four of the last five meetings between these sides.
- Anthony Hernández on a two-match scoring streak for Alajuelense.
Zeledon vs Alajuelense score prediction: 0-1
Expect a tightly contested affair. Zeledon’s reliance on fast breaks will find frustration against Alajuelense’s well-drilled backline, marshaled deftly by Alexis Gamboa. Borges and Hernández provide enough offensive spark for the visitors, likely settling the outcome by capitalizing on a solitary chance. The goal difference and defensive form suggest Alajuelense ekes out a narrow 1-0 victory, with Zeledon laboring to breach their resistance.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Alajuelense the favourite
| Moneyline | Zeledon 3.6 | Alajuelense 2.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.2 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 2.4 | Under 2.5 1.45 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 2.05 | No 1.70 | |
Bookmakers position Alajuelense as favorites with an approximate 46 percent chance of taking all three points, underscored by their recent winning run and head-to-head record. The draw carries moderate risk, as both sides have shown resilience, but Alajuelense’s more consistent performance away from home justifies their status. Lower odds on “Under 2.5” reinforce expectations for a low-scoring, tactical battle.
Zeledon vs Alajuelense Over/Under Analysis
- Four of the last five matches between these teams featured fewer than three goals.
- Alajuelense’s defense has conceded only two goals in the last five league games.
- Zeledon has scored more than one goal just once in their last five outings.
- Recommendation: Under 2.5 at 1.45 offers the best value given both sides’ defensive discipline and cautious starts.
Zeledon Preview
Zeledon’s campaign in this Apertura has oscillated between defiant wins and disappointing setbacks, most recently defeating San Carlos 1-0 in a display of counter-attacking resolve. However, their attacking efficiency fluctuates offensive production is reliant on moments of inspiration rather than sustained pressure. Recent data shows only four goals in five matches, offset by eight yellow cards, which hints at frustration when pressed by structured opponents. They must find discipline to avoid costly set-piece concessions.
Alajuelense Preview
Alajuelense enters this away fixture on a wave of confidence after a determined 1-0 triumph over Saprissa and a tight 1-0 over Antigua. Their approach is structured: possession-driven with rapid transitions, led by veteran orchestrator Celso Borges, while Anthony Hernández adds an unpredictable edge up front. Defensively, Gamboa and company have held firm only two goals conceded in the current phase augur well for another shutout. However, the squad’s 15 yellow cards in five outings indicate the fine line they tread between intensity and overreach.
Alajuelense possible starting eleven

- GK: Johnny Álvarez
- DF: Alexis Gamboa, Santiago Putten der Van, Ronald Matarrita, Kristopher Elián Quesada-Thorn
- MF: Celso Borges, Aaron Suarez, Rashir Parkins, Creichel Pérez
- FW: Anthony Hernández, Diego Campos

Alajuelense. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
On behalf of the TipsGG analysis team, the main pick for this match is Alajuelense to win. The visitors’ superior form, tactical discipline, and individual quality particularly in the spine provided by Borges and Gamboa tip the balance in their favor. Zeledon must improve their ball retention and discipline to challenge effectively, but recent data indicate that Alajuelense has the edge in both areas. Our dedicated AI prediction engine assigns a 46 percent win probability to Alajuelense, reflecting the bookmakers’ consensus and on-field trends.
How to watch Zeledon vs Alajuelense
When? 7 September 2025, 05:00 CEST
Where? Estadio Municipal Pérez Zeledón, San Isidro
How to watch: National television and streaming platforms via official Primera División partners.
Favorite: Alajuelense
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