MIAMI, Florida – Alajuelense of Costa Rica and Honduran giants Olimpia are no strangers to reaching the semifinals of a Concacaf tournament. Both clubs have achieved that feat in the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, and now both are in the final four of the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf League.

Alajuelense’s path to the 2020 SCL semifinals began on their home turf with a 3-0 win over Cibao FC of the Dominican Republic in the Preliminary Round. 

Ageless wonder Alvaro Saborio turned back the clock, as the 38-year-old FW bagged a brace and was joined on the scoresheet by Carlos Mora in a decisive win.

Things proved to be much more difficult in the Round of 16 in a home date with San Francisco FC of Panama, however the Ticos emerged victorious 1-0 thanks to a second half goal from Jurguens Montenegro.

Another Central American opponent was on the docket in the quarterfinals, as Alajuelense hosted Nicaraguan powerhouse Real Esteli. 

Legendary Costa Rica international and 2014 FIFA World Cup hero Bryan Ruiz opened the scoring in the first half, only to see Real Esteli pull level right before halftime. In the end though, Alajuelense stayed strong and collected the 2-1 victory with an Alonso Martinez goal in the second half to clinch a berth in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.

Olimpia kicked off their 2020 SCL campaign in style with a commanding 6-0 home win over Managua FC of Nicaragua in which six different players scored for the Catracho club.

That win set the stage for an epic showdown with long-time domestic rivals Motagua in one of the most anticipated match-ups in Honduran football history.

Not only was it a Concacaf meeting between two historical rivals, but there was also a spot in the 2021 SCCL at stake. Maylor Nunez’s first half goal put Olimpia in control and a second half score from Deybi Flores sealed the 2-0 victory to send the Albos to their 12th SCCL.

Based on the performances in previous rounds from these two clubs, Wednesday’s semifinal promises to be one to remember.