# Alajuelense in 2026 Central American Cup > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alajuelense-in-2026-central-american-cup > Updated: 2026-08-03T19:45:53.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3. Alajuelense began the 2026 Copa Centroamericana with a 1‑0 victory over Xelajú on July 30, thanks to an 18‑year‑old Ronaldo Cisneros. Mid‑fielder Celso Borges entered in the second half, sparking a brief social‑media debate about his influence. Coach Ismael Rescalvo praised the warm fan reception and noted the club’s mixed Apertura form, looking ahead to a group‑stage clash with Diriangén. On August 3, Alajuelense travelled to Managua and defeated Diriangén FC 3‑1, seizing the lead in Group A. The win was tempered by a knee injury to midfielder Daniel Chacón, which the coach described as minor after a precautionary substitution. The club also announced that midfielder Luis Díaz, sidelined by a ligament injury earlier in the season, is expected to return within weeks, strengthening the squad for the tournament’s decisive matches. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-03: Alajuelense, Plaza Amador and Real Estelí secure wins in Copa Centroamericana group stage Alajuelense beat Diriangén 3-1, Plaza Amador edged Firpo 2-1, and Real Estelí topped Antigua 2-0 in the Copa Centroamericana group stage, with injury updates on Daniel Chacón and a near‑return for Luis Díaz. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/plaza-amador-to-host-luis-ngel-firpo-in-copa-centroamericana-2026 ### 2026-08-02: Alajuelense coach Rescalvo lauds fan support as team eyes Central American Cup success Alajuelense’s coach Rescalvo praises fan support and reflects on Spain’s World Cup win, while defender Yeison Molina urges improvement as the team prepares for a Copa Centroamericana match in Nicaragua. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alajuelense-coach-rescalvo-lauds-fan-support-as-team-eyes-central-american-cup-success ### 2026-07-30: Alajuelense beats Xelajú as fans debate Celso Borges' influence Alajuelense beat Xelajú 1‑0 in the Copa Centroamericana, sparking fan debate over Celso Borges' impact, while Xelajú defender Ernesto Monreal praised family support despite the loss. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alajuelense-beats-xelaj-as-fans-debate-celso-borges-influence --- Cite as: Alajuelense in 2026 Central American Cup. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alajuelense-in-2026-central-american-cup