English
Saprissa Stages Comeback to Defeat Whitecaps in Thrilling CONCACAF Champions League Match
San José, Costa Rica – In a thrilling match played at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá, Deportivo Saprissa staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-1 in the first round of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions League. The match, officiated by Iván Barton of El Salvador, was marked by its intensity and a flurry of yellow cards.
The Whitecaps took the lead in the 21st minute with a goal from Ryan Gauld, assisted by Ahmed. However, Saprissa responded forcefully. After the break, Marvin Torres equalized in the 51st minute with an assist from Francisco Escobar. Late in stoppage time, Ariel Rodríguez scored the winning goal for the home team in the 90th minute.
The match was full of excitement. A total of 11 yellow cards were shown, 4 to Saprissa and 3 to Whitecaps. Despite having less possession (44%), Saprissa was more effective in attack, registering 11 shots, 5 of them on target. The Whitecaps, with 56% possession, recorded 8 shots, 3 on target.
Substitutions deportivo saprissa: at minute 57 D. Sequeira came in and R. Bolanos went out., at minute 61 A. Rodriguez came in and Sabin went out., at minute 61 G. Torres came in and D. Guzman went out., at minute 90 G. Vivi Quesada came in and J. Mora went out.
Substitutions vancouver whitecaps: at minute 57 P. Vite came in and J. Ngando went out., at minute 73 R. Priso-Mbongue came in and A. Cubas went out., at minute 73 J. Nelson came in and R. Gauld went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Deportivo Saprissa
Titulares:
Vancouver Whitecaps
Titulares:
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