CS Cartagines vs Guadalupe FC Match Recap - Jan 15, 2026

CS Cartagines Overcomes Guadalupe FC: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption

CS Cartagines secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Guadalupe FC, showcasing their determination to bounce back from recent disappointments. After a string of lackluster performances, this win marks a significant turnaround for Cartagines, who had been struggling to find their footing following two consecutive losses in the semi-finals against Deportivo Saprissa. The team now sits comfortably in third place with 28 points, a stark contrast to Guadalupe's plight, languishing in ninth with just 13 points.

Gonzalez Hernandez and Venegas emerged as the heroes for Cartagines, each contributing to the scoreline and demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion. Gonzalez's goal in the 52nd minute was pivotal, providing the spark needed to ignite his team's confidence. Venegas, who has been a consistent performer throughout the season, added another layer of security with his strike in the 76th minute. This performance not only highlights their individual talents but also reflects the collective resilience of a team eager to shake off the ghosts of their recent past.

Guadalupe FC's struggles continued, with Zuniga's own goal just before halftime proving detrimental. This unfortunate moment encapsulated their season-a team plagued by defensive errors and an inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Despite showing flashes of potential, including moments from Venegas earlier in the match, Guadalupe could not convert their chances into goals. Their recent form has been disheartening, with only two wins in their last eighteen matches, leaving them in a precarious position as they face the threat of relegation.

Cartagines' recent trajectory has been marked by inconsistency, but this victory could serve as a turning point. After a disappointing semi-final exit, they needed a win to restore confidence and momentum. The team's previous five matches included four losses and just one victory, highlighting their vulnerability. Yet, today's performance suggests they may have found the spark needed to reignite their season. The attacking prowess displayed against Guadalupe indicates that they are capable of more than just grinding out results; they can dominate when it matters most.

Guadalupe's recent form paints a grim picture. With only six goals scored across their last five matches and four consecutive losses leading into this fixture, they have struggled to find any semblance of rhythm or confidence. The defensive frailties were evident once again today, as they failed to contain Cartagines' attacking threats. The pressure is mounting on the coaching staff and players alike as they seek to reverse their fortunes in the upcoming matches.

The head-to-head history between these two teams has often resulted in stalemates, but Cartagines broke that trend decisively today. Their ability to convert chances into goals was a stark contrast to Guadalupe's struggles. The statistics reveal that Cartagines had over 14 expected goals this season, indicating their potential for offensive output. In contrast, Guadalupe's fewer than seven expected goals highlight their ongoing issues in front of goal.

Looking ahead, Cartagines will face Puntarenas FC next, where they will aim to build on this momentum and solidify their position in the standings. For Guadalupe, the upcoming match against Municipal Liberia will be critical; they must find a way to turn their fortunes around before it's too late. The pressure is on both teams, but today's match has set the stage for Cartagines to reclaim their status as contenders while leaving Guadalupe searching for answers.

This match encapsulated the essence of football-resilience in the face of adversity and the relentless pursuit of redemption. For Cartagines, it was a much-needed victory that could signal a resurgence in their campaign. For Guadalupe, it was another chapter in a season filled with frustration and missed opportunities. The journey continues for both teams as they navigate the challenges ahead in Costa Rica's Primera División.