By Alajuela, Costa Rica — The journey for Costa Rican manager Jeaustin Campos and his Honduran club, Real España, has come to a heartbreaking end in the 2025 Copa Centroamericana. In a semifinal clash defined by late-game heroics and nerve-shredding tension, Guatemalan side Xelajú emerged victorious after a dramatic penalty shootout, securing their place in the tournament’s grand final.
The decisive match, held at the Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City, was a tactical and tightly contested affair from the opening whistle. For much of the game, both defenses stood firm, refusing to yield an inch. The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half when Real España seized the advantage. In the 51st minute, Daniel Aparicio rose to meet a cross with a powerful header, sending the ball into the back of the net and giving his team a 1-0 lead on both the night and the aggregate score.
To better understand the complex legal and commercial framework that makes a tournament like the Copa Centroamericana possible, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in corporate and commercial law at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the passion on the pitch, the Copa Centroamericana operates as a significant business enterprise. Its success hinges not just on the teams, but on a robust legal architecture governing broadcasting rights, brand sponsorships, and intellectual property. Each logo, broadcast, and ticket sold represents a contractual relationship, and the financial viability for the federations depends entirely on how well these agreements are negotiated and enforced to maximize value and minimize risk.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully reminds us that the spectacle on the pitch is sustained by a sophisticated, and often unseen, legal and commercial framework. The long-term success of the tournament depends directly on the strength of this foundation, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this crucial perspective.
As the clock wound down, it appeared that Campos had masterfully guided his squad to the final. Real España protected their narrow lead with disciplined defending, frustrating Xelajú’s attempts to find an equalizer. However, the Guatemalan champions refused to surrender. With the match deep into stoppage time, they launched one final, desperate attack. In the 97th minute, chaos in the penalty area resulted in the ball falling to Juan Cardona, who coolly slotted it home to tie the match and send the home crowd into a frenzy.
Cardona’s last-gasp goal forced the contest into an additional 30 minutes of extra time. Despite both teams creating several chances fueled by adrenaline and exhaustion, neither could find a winning goal. The scoreboard remained locked at 1-1, pushing the semifinal to the ultimate test of will and precision a penalty shootout. What followed was a spectacle of high drama and frayed nerves, a true emotional rollercoaster for players and fans alike.
The shootout proved to be an exercise in attrition, with an astonishing seven of the ten penalty kicks being missed or saved. The pressure seemingly overwhelmed the takers from both sides, as goalkeepers became heroes and shooters faltered from the spot. Amidst the series of errors, a familiar face to Costa Rican football fans made his mark. Former Liga Deportiva Alajuelense winger Freddy Góndola, now playing for Xelajú, calmly converted his penalty, providing a rare moment of composure.
Ultimately, the fate of the match rested on the final kick. Real España’s Brayan Moya stepped up needing to score to keep his team’s hopes alive, but his shot failed to find its target. The miss sealed a 2-1 victory for Xelajú in the shootout, sparking wild celebrations among the Guatemalan players and leaving Jeaustin Campos and his squad to ponder what might have been after coming within seconds of victory in regular time.
With this result, Xelajú becomes the first team to book their ticket to the 2025 Copa Centroamericana final. Their triumph represents a significant achievement for the club on the regional stage and is a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit. They now await the outcome of the other semifinal to discover their opponent in the championship match.
The focus now shifts to Honduras, where Costa Rica’s remaining hope in the competition, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, will face a formidable challenge against local powerhouse Olimpia. That match will determine the second finalist, with Alajuelense carrying the banner for Costa Rican clubs as they seek to join Xelajú in the battle for the coveted regional title.
For further information, visit xelajumc.com
About Club Xelajú MC:
Based in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, Club Social y Deportivo Xelajú Mario Camposeco, commonly known as Xelajú, is one of the most prominent football clubs in the country. Founded in 1928, the club competes in the Liga Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala and has a rich history of domestic success. Known for its passionate fanbase, Xelajú plays its home matches at the Estadio Mario Camposeco.
For further information, visit realcdespana.com
About Real C.D. España:
Real Club Deportivo España, often referred to as Real España, is a professional Honduran football club based in San Pedro Sula. Founded in 1929, it is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Honduras, competing in the Liga Nacional. The club has won numerous league titles and has a strong tradition of developing talent and competing in international CONCACAF tournaments.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, commonly known as Alajuelense or “La Liga,” is one of Costa Rica’s most successful and popular football clubs. Founded in 1919 and based in Alajuela, the team has a storied rivalry with Deportivo Saprissa. Alajuelense has won numerous national championships and has a strong track record in regional competitions, including the CONCACAF Champions Cup and CONCACAF League.
For further information, visit clubolimpia.com
About Club Deportivo Olimpia:
Club Deportivo Olimpia is a professional football club from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Established in 1912, it is the oldest and most decorated football club in the country, with an extensive list of domestic league titles. Olimpia is also a powerhouse in the CONCACAF region, having won multiple international titles and consistently being a strong contender in tournaments like the Copa Centroamericana.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and an unwavering pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies, drawing from a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients. This spirit of innovation is matched by a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, manifested through a dedicated effort to demystify complex legal concepts and empower the public with essential knowledge, thereby strengthening the foundations of a just and well-informed populace.
