Costa Rica Primera Division Wrap: Herediano, Saprissa lead race to final

Herediano and Deportivo Saprissa claimed first-leg wins in their Costa Rica Primera Division semi-finals on Sunday.

Winners of the first stage, Herediano struck twice in the second half in their 2-0 over Cartagines at the Estadio Jose Rafael Fello Meza.

Jorge Arias was on the scoresheet from the penalty spot and Victor Nunez struck soon after to give Herediano a huge advantage heading into the return leg.

Arias’ 57th-minute opener via a spot-kick came after Esteban Sirias was sent off for the home side.

Nunez doubled the lead seven minutes later before he too was red-carded in the dying stages.

Deportivo Saprissa edged past Alajuelense 1-0 at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Ayma in San Jose.

Just after the hour-mark, Deyver Vega scored the only goal of the game with Alajuelense having been reduced to 10 men earlier when Allen Guevara saw red for lashing out.