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

Herediano’s Dire Form: A Team in Crisis

Five winless matches – this isn’t just a statistic; it’s a critical diagnosis for Herediano. The team is in a profound crisis, and the international break was unlikely to bring about a significant turnaround. Their last official fixture was a disappointing 0-2 home defeat against Guadalupe, where their attacking efforts appeared utterly toothless.

Struggling Attack and Scoring Woes

Statistics from the past five league rounds highlight severe offensive issues. Herediano has only managed to score three goals, placing them among the league’s lowest-scoring teams. The fact that they failed to score in 6 out of 11 matches this season further emphasizes the magnitude of their attacking deficiencies.

Squad Collapse and Key Absences

The situation is further exacerbated by a significant squad collapse. Head coach Jafet Soto faces a critical match without several key players. Defender Getsel Montes, who notably scored crucial goals in finals, and pivotal midfielder Aarón Murillo are both unavailable. Adding to these woes, Hexel Quirós and Allan Cruz are suspended, effectively dismantling the team’s central spine. In such a disarrayed state and with so many critical losses, expecting an attacking spectacle from the home side would be overly optimistic.

Alajuelense’s Key Injury: Absence of Celso Borges

The visitors’ squad situation is not significantly better, which only strengthens this prediction. Their main loss is captain and team mastermind, Celso Borges. Both club management and journalists unanimously confirm that he won’t just miss the match; he’s not even able to run. Losing a central midfielder of his caliber means losing the foundation for constructing meaningful attacks.

Coach Ramirez’s Cautious Approach

Alajuelense’s coach, Oscar Ramirez, is remarkably cautious in his comments. He explicitly states that the pitch in Santa Bárbara is challenging and difficult to play on, which favors the hosts who are accustomed to artificial turf. Ramirez also recalled that recent head-to-head encounters were decided by set pieces rather than fluid attacking play, signaling a tight and scrappy nature to this rivalry.

Statistical Trends and Defensive Strength

The team had a 15-day break after their last game, which often disrupts match rhythm. Statistics speak for themselves: in 14 out of the last 20 matches involving Alajuelense, no more than two goals were scored. Furthermore, their defense is among the best in the league, especially away from home, conceding only three goals in five away fixtures. Losing their primary attacking architect and traveling to face a fierce rival directly points to a cautious game plan with a strong emphasis on defense.