Saprissa Rescues Draw Against Liberia in Thrilling 2-2 Match

Deportivo Saprissa and Municipal Liberia battled to a 2-2 draw in an exciting match at the Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium on Sunday. Despite Saprissa's efforts to secure a victory and pressure league leaders Herediano, Liberia's solid defense made it challenging for the home team to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Saprissa had the first dangerous chance of the game, but Liberia goalkeeper Daniel Villegas made a vital save to keep the score level. Liberia thought they had taken the lead when Daniel Colindres found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. However, Marvin Angulo put Liberia ahead soon after, only for Javon East to equalize for Saprissa in the 51st minute.

When the match entered its final stages, Juan Fernando Caicedo scored what appeared to be the winning goal for Liberia in the 85th minute. But Saprissa refused to give up, and Fidel Escobar dramatically leveled the score in stoppage time (90+2') to rescue a point for the home side. Saprissa coach Vladimir Quesada was sent off in the aftermath of the late equalizer.

The draw leaves Saprissa in second place with 35 points, tied with Herediano but with an inferior goal difference. Liberia occupies the fifth position with 27 points, two behind the third-placed team. Both teams will feel they missed an opportunity to gain ground in the tight race for playoff positions in the Costa Rican Primera División Clausura 2024 season.

"It was a difficult match against a tough opponent," said Saprissa midfielder Mariano Torres. "We fought until the end and managed to get a point, but we know we need to improve if we want to challenge for the title."

The match was officiated by referee Rigo Prendas, who showed yellow cards to several players from both teams in a physically intense encounter. Saprissa will look to bounce back in their next match against Guadalupe, while Liberia faces a pivotal clash with Herediano as the battle for playoff spots heats up in the closing stages of the season.

Key Takeaways

• Saprissa and Liberia drew 2-2 in an exciting match at Saprissa's stadium.
• Liberia took the lead twice, but Saprissa equalized late to rescue a point.
• The draw leaves Saprissa in 2nd place, tied with leaders Herediano on points.
• Liberia is 5th, 2 points behind 3rd place, in the tight Costa Rican league race.
• Saprissa coach Vladimir Quesada was sent off after the late equalizer.