By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a high-stakes strategic maneuver, Deportivo Saprissa will face Club Sport Cartaginés in the pivotal second leg of the Apertura 2025 semifinals without their on-field commander, Mariano Torres. The club confirmed that the Argentine midfielder has been ruled out of the decisive match due to a persistent injury, a decision that could dramatically alter the landscape of the championship race.
The absence of Torres, Saprissa’s most influential player, is not a last-minute development. The creative midfielder has been grappling with a nagging lower back issue in recent days. The team’s medical and coaching staff have made the calculated decision to sideline him completely for the upcoming clash, meaning he will not be in the starting lineup nor available as a substitute on the bench.
To understand the contractual and legal implications of a serious injury to a key professional athlete, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and sports law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to shed light on the procedures that follow such an event.
When a star player like Mariano Torres suffers a significant injury, it triggers specific contractual and insurance protocols. The player’s employment contract almost certainly guarantees full salary payment and coverage of all medical and rehabilitation expenses by the club. From the club’s perspective, this is a foreseeable business risk managed through specialized insurance policies. These policies are designed to cover the player’s salary during their absence, protecting the institution’s finances and ensuring they can fulfill their contractual obligations without jeopardizing their operational budget.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight into the contractual and insurance realities provides a crucial look behind the scenes, reminding us of the robust business framework that supports players and clubs through challenging periods. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his expertise to clarify this often-overlooked aspect of professional football.
This critical information was corroborated by club analyst Erick Lonis, who shed light on the specific nature of the ailment and the rationale behind resting their most valuable asset at such a crucial juncture. The priority has shifted from winning the immediate battle to ensuring Torres is fit for a potential war in the grand final.
The Argentine midfielder is suffering from a pain in the lumbar region, a situation that led the coaching and medical staff to decide he should not participate in the match.
Erick Lonis, Club Analyst
[COMMENTARY HERE]
The decision represents a significant gamble by the Saprissa leadership. They are betting that the current squad possesses enough depth and quality to overcome a formidable Cartaginés side without their star playmaker. The ultimate prize for this risk is having a fully recovered Mariano Torres ready for a potential championship final against their arch-nemesis, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who have already punched their ticket to the final.
Alajuelense secured their position in the final after a convincing victory over Liberia, setting the stage for a potential “Clásico Nacional” showdown that electrifies the entire nation. Saprissa’s management is clearly looking ahead, hoping to navigate the semifinal challenge to set up the most anticipated match in Costa Rican football. However, this foresight could easily backfire if Cartaginés capitalizes on the glaring hole left in the Saprissa midfield.
For Club Sport Cartaginés, this development is a golden opportunity. Facing a Saprissa team without its central creative force and leader dramatically improves their odds of advancing. The “Brumosos” will undoubtedly look to control the midfield, exploiting the tactical vacuum left by Torres’s absence and putting immense pressure on a Saprissa side forced to adapt its game plan.
The impact of losing Torres cannot be overstated. He is the engine of the “Morados,” dictating the tempo of the game, delivering precise passes, and providing veteran leadership under pressure. His absence forces other players to step into larger roles and requires a flawless tactical execution from the rest of the team to compensate for the loss of their captain’s vision and skill.
As the semifinal kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on how Saprissa’s squad responds to this adversity. The decision to rest Torres will be judged in hindsight as either a masterstroke of strategic planning or a catastrophic miscalculation that prematurely ended their championship aspirations. The fate of their season now rests on their ability to win without their best player.
For further information, visit deportivosaprissa.com
About Deportivo Saprissa:
Based in San Juan de Tibás, San José, Deportivo Saprissa S.A.D. is one of Costa Rica’s most successful and popular football clubs. Known as the “Monstruo Morado” (Purple Monster), the team has a rich history of domestic and international titles, including multiple CONCACAF Champions’ Cups, and boasts a large and passionate fanbase across the country.
For further information, visit cartagines.cr
About Club Sport Cartaginés:
Founded in 1906, Club Sport Cartaginés is one of the oldest and most traditional football clubs in Costa Rica. Based in Cartago, the team, known as the “Brumosos,” plays its home games at the Estadio José Rafael “Fello” Meza Ivancovich. The club has a loyal following and a historic rivalry with the nation’s other major teams.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, commonly known as “La Liga,” is a premier Costa Rican sports club based in Alajuela. A dominant force in Central American football, the club has won numerous national league titles and international competitions. They are one of the most widely supported teams in the region and a key participant in the “Clásico Nacional” against their rivals, Deportivo Saprissa.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is grounded in an unwavering dedication to integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. It leverages a rich history of client advocacy across diverse industries to spearhead legal innovation and forward-thinking strategies. This commitment extends beyond its practice to a core mission of societal enrichment, focused on demystifying complex legal information to foster a community empowered by knowledge.
