Real Estelí, CS Herediano meet in semifinals of Central American Cup | OneFootball

MIAMI – The semifinals of the 2024 Concacaf Central American Cup continues with Real Estelí facing CS Herediano in the first leg of their series on Thursday.

Real Estelí was the runners-up in the 2023 edition look to return to the final and secure its first trophy. CS Herediano were eliminated on penalties in the semifinals of last year’s edition, to eventual champions LD Alajuelense, but went on to become advance the furthest of the Central American teams in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Real Estelí FC vs. CS Herediano

Real Estelí hosts Herediano at Estadio Independencia in Estelí, Nicaragua. The match presents the second-ever meeting between the sides, with Real Estelí claiming a win in their only previous encounter.

Estelí enters the semifinals after eliminating CD Águila 2-0 on aggregate in the quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals for a second consecutive year. The 2023 runner up will look to continue its positive momentum, having lost only once in its last seven games.

Herediano knocked out Motagua in quarterfinals with a 2-2 aggregate on away goals. The Costa Rican side is also making a second consecutive appearance in the semifinals. The club is one of only two sides to have an unbeaten record all-time in the CCAC.

Byron Bonilla, who has registered three goals and an assist this campaign, will be an important player as Estelí aims to return to the final. John Jairo Ruiz and José de Jesús González are Herediano’s top scorers this campaign with two goals each.