SAN ISIDRO DE EL GENERAL, Costa Rica (Interstat) — Herediano opened its 2025 Primera División campaign with a commanding 3-1 road victory over Perez Zeledon on Sunday, overcoming an early deficit with a stunning three-goal flurry just before halftime at Estadio Municipal Pérez Zeledón.

The match, played under the league’s organizing body, saw the home side seize an initial advantage. In the 41st minute, Perez Zeledon’s Aaron Murillo found the net, sending the local supporters into a frenzy and putting the hosts on course for an opening-day upset.

That lead proved shockingly short-lived. Herediano responded with a devastating burst of scoring in the dying moments of the first half, fundamentally altering the match in a span of just three minutes of play.

The equalizer came in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, with Marcel Hernández leveling the score at 1-1. The turnaround was completed mere seconds after the subsequent kickoff. Before Perez Zeledon could regroup, Herediano veteran and Costa Rican international Yeltsin Tejeda struck in the 46th minute, propelling the visitors into a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.

The rapid one-two punch visibly deflated the home side and shifted all momentum squarely to Herediano. The second half saw the visitors consolidate their lead and control the tempo, adding a third goal to secure the result. The final whistle confirmed a successful start for Herediano, which begins the season with a perfect record of one win and no losses in league play. Perez Zeledon, conversely, starts with a defeat, standing at zero wins and one loss.

The outcome slightly exceeded the pre-match projections from Interstat. The organization’s game simulator had predicted a 2-1 victory for Herediano, while its ELO rating system gave the club a 52 percent probability of winning. The actual 3-1 scoreline and the manner of the comeback underscored a more decisive performance than anticipated.

With the win, Herediano also improved its overall record across all competitions this season to one win and no losses. Perez Zeledon’s combined record fell to zero wins and one loss. The match showcased Herediano’s resilience and attacking potency, characteristics they will aim to carry forward as the Costa Rican top-flight season progresses. For Perez Zeledon, the collapse at the end of the first half will be a focal point for review as they look to rebound in their next fixture.