LD Alajuelense edged Inter de San Carlos 3-2 in a five-goal thriller on October 18, 2026, with Jonathan Moya scoring an 84th-minute winner in the Costa Rica Primera Division. The victory keeps Alajuelense firmly in the title race and leaves Inter de San Carlos with a painful home defeat after twice fighting back to level the score.

Match overview

Alajuelense controlled the ball for long periods and created the better chances, but Inter de San Carlos refused to fold. The home side used a direct, high-energy approach to stay in the contest, equalizing twice before Moya’s late finish settled a dramatic evening. The match was a clear example of Alajuelense’s attacking quality and Inter de San Carlos’s resilience, even in defeat.

With the win, Alajuelense maintain pressure on the teams at the top of the Costa Rica Primera Division table. Inter de San Carlos, meanwhile, remain in a difficult fight for points and will rue the defensive lapses that allowed Alajuelense to score at three key moments.

Key moments

• 9th minute: Alajuelense opened the scoring when Jonathan Moya converted a cross from the left with a firm header.
• 27th minute: Inter de San Carlos equalized through a close-range finish after a scramble in the penalty area.
• 41st minute: Alajuelense regained the lead when Doryan Rodríguez beat the goalkeeper with a low shot from the edge of the box.
• 67th minute: Inter de San Carlos made it 2-2 with a well-worked move down the right and a composed finish at the back post.
• 84th minute: Moya scored the winner, reacting quickest to a loose ball and firing into the roof of the net.

Tactical story

Alajuelense dictated the rhythm with patient possession and quick switches of play, aiming to pull Inter de San Carlos’s defensive block out of shape. Their midfield found space between the lines, and the wide players stretched the home side’s back four. Inter de San Carlos responded by pressing selectively and launching fast counterattacks, which produced two goals and several nervous moments for the visitors.

The decisive tactical adjustment came late in the second half, when Alajuelense pushed an extra body into the box and increased the tempo of their crosses. That pressure finally told in the 84th minute, as Inter de San Carlos failed to clear their lines and Moya punished them. The home side’s defending in transition had been brave for long stretches, but it ultimately cost them a point.

Standout players

Jonathan Moya was the match-winner with two goals, including the late decider, and his movement in the box caused problems throughout. Doryan Rodríguez was lively in attack and scored an important first-half goal, while Alajuelense’s midfield kept the team composed under pressure. For Inter de San Carlos, the two goalscorers deserved credit for keeping the contest alive, but the defense struggled with Alajuelense’s final deliveries.

Season impact

The three points keep Alajuelense in the leading group of the Costa Rica Primera Division standings and reinforce their reputation as one of the league’s most consistent attacking sides. Inter de San Carlos remain in need of results and will view this as a missed opportunity, especially after twice coming from behind at home. Alajuelense now turn their attention to their next fixture with momentum, while Inter must regroup quickly in a crowded domestic campaign.