ALAJUELA, Costa Rica (Interstat) — LD Alajuelense seized control of the Primera División clash from the opening whistle and never relented, defeating Cartagines 2-0 on Tuesday night at a rain-slicked Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.

The match, critical for both sides in the Costa Rican top flight, was effectively decided in a blistering three-minute span early in the first half. The home side’s aggressive start paid off in the ninth minute when forward Kenneth Vargas broke through the Cartagines defense to slot home the opening goal. Before the visitors could regroup, the lead was doubled in the 12th minute as midfielder Santiago van der Putten found the net, sending the home supporters into a frenzy.

The early deficit proved insurmountable for Cartagines, which struggled to generate meaningful offensive threats against a disciplined Alajuelense backline. The visiting side, which had defeated Alajuelense 1-0 in their most recent meeting on Jan. 21, was unable to replicate that defensive solidity or attacking fortune. The result continued a troubling trend for Cartagines in this fixture, marking the third time in the last four head-to-head matches they have failed to score against their rivals.

The victory solidifies Alajuelense’s strong position in the league table, improving its season record to 20 wins, six losses and seven draws in Primera División play. The performance served as a forceful rebound from a surprising 2-0 road loss to Puntarenas just three days prior. Head coach Andrés Carevic will be pleased with his team’s immediate response and its ability to execute its game plan with precision from the opening kickoff.

For Cartagines, managed by Luis Marín, the defeat is a setback in its campaign, moving its league record to 14 wins, eight losses and eight draws. The team’s form has been inconsistent, with the shutout loss following a scoreless draw against Deportivo Saprissa on Jan. 25. Their challenge now is to rediscover the scoring touch that delivered a 2-0 win over Puntarenas in mid-January as they look ahead to their next fixture.

The match outcome defied the pregame projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast a 1-1 draw. However, it aligned with the same service’s ELO rating system, which gave Alajuelense a 79.70 percent probability of victory, a confidence borne out by the home side’s dominant early execution.

Tactically, Alajuelense’s high press and quick transitions in the opening quarter-hour overwhelmed Cartagines’ midfield. The visitors, unable to establish possession or rhythm, were forced into a reactive posture for the remainder of the contest. While the pace of the game slowed after the frantic start, Alajuelense comfortably managed the proceedings, seeing out the clean sheet with professional efficiency.

The win provides significant momentum for Alajuelense as it prepares for a crucial stretch of the season, with a key match at Herediano looming on March 21. Cartagines, meanwhile, must regroup before its next Primera División contest at Perez Zeledon on March 22. The early goals not only decided this contest but also delivered a psychological blow in a rivalry where recent matches have often been decided by the slimmest of margins. On this night, Alajuelense’s fast start ensured there would be no late drama, securing three vital points in front of its home supporters.