Real Estelí beat Alianza 3-1 in the Group Stage of the CONCACAF Central American Cup on Tuesday. The result kept Real Estelí's winning momentum going after four straight victories, while Alianza's recent form took another hit following their 0-2 defeat to Inter earlier in the week. The match finished with both sides on equal possession, which tells you nothing about who actually controlled the game.
Real Estelí went ahead in the fourth minute when H. Aranda found the net, and they doubled their lead shortly after when E. Casado scored in the 29th minute. Alianza responded with pressure but Real Estelí held firm until the second half. The hosts then added a third goal through Gustavo Souza in the 64th minute, and the game was effectively over by then. Things came to a head late when J. Gutierrez added a fourth, though the final scoreline doesn't reflect the dominance Real Estelí showed.
The statistics paint an odd picture. Alianza registered 126 attacks compared to Real Estelí's 59, yet they managed only four corners to the hosts' zero. Possession was even at 0.5 for both sides, but Real Estelí made far fewer throw-ins and goal kicks. The old head settled them down when Alianza dominated territory but couldn't convert. Real Estelí have not won since losing their last away game, which makes this result all the more significant.
Discipline was an issue for Alianza throughout. B. Tamacas picked up two yellow cards within a minute of each other in the 37th and 38th minutes, while J. Portillo, A. Colombino, O. Acevedo, J. Toledo and W. Parra all went into the book. Real Estelí only collected four yellows in total, which suggests they kept their composure better when the game opened up. By then, the match had settled into a pattern where Alianza chased and Real Estelí defended with purpose.
Both managers made numerous substitutions in the second half. M. Mier and M. Aguirre came on together for Alianza in the 55th minute, while Real Estelí brought on J. Barrera and E. Casado in the 66th. The game ended with a flurry of changes, including B. Bonilla and D. Romero for Alianza in the 88th minute. The market has overreacted to the favourite, and this result proves they don't always deliver.