Herediano — Alajuelense : Match Preview and Prediction for October 17,2025

Herediano’s Recent Form and Struggles

Five matches without a victory—this isn’t just a statistic; it’s a clear indicator for Herediano. The team is mired in a deep crisis, and the international break is unlikely to have brought about any radical change. Their last official fixture was a 0-2 home defeat to Guadalupe, a performance where the team appeared utterly devoid of attacking prowess.

Offensive Woes: A Deeper Look

Statistics from the past five league rounds highlight severe issues in their offensive game. Herediano has netted a mere three goals, placing them among the league’s worst performers in attack. The fact that the team has failed to score in 6 out of 11 games this season further emphasizes the scale of their attacking problems.

Key Player Absences Cripple Herediano

The situation is compounded by a significant personnel crisis. Head coach Jafet Soto faces this critical match without a crucial group of players. Defender Getsel Montes, who has scored decisive goals in past finals, and key midfielder Aarón Murillo are sidelined. Adding to their woes, Haxel Quirós and Allan Cruz are suspended, effectively dismantling the team’s central spine. In such a fragmented state and with these significant losses, expecting an offensive spectacle from the hosts would be overly optimistic.

Alajuelense’s Squad Concerns and Key Player Loss

The visitors’ squad situation offers little respite, further reinforcing this prediction. The most significant loss is captain and team orchestrator Celso Borges. Both club management and journalists unanimously confirm that he will not only miss the match but is also unable to run. Losing a central midfielder of such caliber means severing the primary link for constructing coherent attacks.

Coach Ramírez’s Pragmatic Approach

Alajuelense coach Oscar Ramírez expresses extreme caution in his public statements. He openly remarks that the pitch in Santa Barbara is challenging and difficult to play on, which benefits the hosts who are accustomed to artificial turf. Ramírez also notes that recent direct encounters between these teams were often decided by set pieces rather than fluid attacking play, suggesting a tightly contested and gritty confrontation.

Defensive Strength vs. Match Rhythm

The team experienced a 15-day break after their last game, a period that often disrupts playing rhythm. Yet, the statistics are telling: in 14 of the last 20 matches involving Alajuelense, no more than two goals were scored. Furthermore, their defense ranks among the league’s best, especially on the road, having conceded only three goals in five away fixtures. Losing their primary attacking architect and traveling to face a fierce rival points directly towards a cautious, defense-focused strategy.