MIAMI, Florida – A pair of teams will be making their 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf League debuts as Herediano of Costa Rica take on Nicaraguan giants Real Esteli in the Round of 16 on Tuesday night at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Both teams are well acquainted with the highs and lows of the SCL. 

Herediano, who qualified for this year’s edition as the 2019 Apertura champion in Costa Rica, emerged triumphant in the 2018 edition, with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Honduran club Motagua in the final. 

A year later, however, the Ticos were left stunned against Jamaican side Waterhouse in a penalty shootout defeat at home in the second leg of the Round of 16.

Nevertheless, many of the players who had key roles in lifting the trophy in 2018 are still in the mix in 2020, including veteran FW Yendrick Ruiz, who won the 2018 SCL Golden Ball thanks in part to his five goals.

Adding to the list of experienced players on the field for Herediano is 35-year-old MF Randall Azofeifa, who was part of the 2018 title-winning side and boasts 20 appearances in Concacaf club competitions.

Real Esteli, winners of Nicaragua’s 2019 Apertura and 2020 Clausura, have their own weapons as well.

It all starts with attacking midfielder Juan Barrera, who has 19 Concacaf club matches under his belt. The 31-year-old is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Nicaraguan National Team and in order for the Pinolero club to win its first SCL series in three attempts, Barrera’s dynamic style of play will need to be on display. 

Kick-off is scheduled for 8 PM ET and can be seen via TSN.ca/TSN App (Canada), TUDN (USA-Spanish), FS1 (USA-English), ESPN 2 (Central America) and Fox Sports 2 (Mexico).