LD Alajuelense earned a narrow 1-0 home victory over AD San Carlos in the Costa Rican Primera Division on January 25, 2026. The match, with a morning kick-off at 10:00, was settled by a single goal, allowing the historic club to secure three important points in their title defense or championship pursuit. This result strengthens Alajuelense's position at the top of the table while dealing a blow to San Carlos's own hopes. The match process saw the home side apply early pressure, which paid off with a goal from a corner kick in the first half. AD San Carlos grew into the game after conceding and enjoyed periods of possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Alajuelense defense. The best chance for an equalizer came late on, but the San Carlos striker blazed his shot over the bar from inside the box. A key incident was a potential handball in the Alajuelense penalty area that was not given, sparking protests from the visiting players and bench. The table impact is significant, as Alajuelense opens up a gap at the summit, while San Carlos falls further behind the leading pack. The Alajuelense manager highlighted the importance of a strong start, while the San Carlos coach rued missed opportunities.