Xelajú tops Real España in PKs to advance to Central American Cup Final | OneFootball

GUATEMALA CITY – The 2025 Concacaf Central American Cup continued with Club Xelajú MC and Real CD España playing to a 1-1 draw, with Xelajú triumphant 2-1 in the penalty shootout, in the Second Leg of their Semifinals series on Wednesday at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City, Guatemala. 

Daniel Aparicio opened the scoring in the 51’ with a thumping header for Real España to take the lead, both in the match and on aggregate. Jhow Benavídez provided the delivery into the box for the assist. 

Juan Cardona equalized for Xelajú in the 90’+7’ to send the match to extra time, striking from the center of the box to capitalize on a cross from Freddy Góndola.

After a scoreless extra time, a penalty shootout would be necessary to decide the first finalist of the 2025 edition.

The penalty shootout began with two saves: Real España goalkeeper Luis López denied Steven Cárdenas, while Xelajú goalkeeper Nery Lobos stopped the attempt from César Romero.

The next two kickers missed, with Hárim Quezada hitting the bar on behalf of Xelajú. The shot from Real España’s Carlos Mejía was wide to the right of the goal. 

López made another save for the Honduran side to deny Jorge Aparicio. Devron García converted for Real España to take the lead.

Ludwin Reyes scored to equalize for Xelajú in the fourth round of kicks. Wesly Decas missed his attempt as things remained even heading into the fifth attempts. 

Freddy Góndola converted to give Xelajú the lead in the shootout. Brayan Moya missed the final kick from the spot for the hosts to win 2-1 on penalties.

The result sends Club Xelajú MC to its first Central American Final. The Guatemalan side awaits the winner of the LD Alajuelense-CD Olimpia series.