The second legs of the Nicaraguan Clausura semi-final’s will take place tonight.
After two rather cautious first legs, it is do or die for the final four sides - who will be battling for a spot in the finals.
Curiously, the two match-ups are identical to the previous Apertura semi-finals as well, and it is remained to see whether we will get to see a final rematch between Real Esteli and Managua FC.
Real Esteli - Diriangen (03:00 CET)
First up is the Nicaraguan Clásico. Only two weeks ago, the two sides met for a crucial regular season whice had a direct impact on the standings. A 0-0 draw proved beneficial for Esteli, as they secured a second place spot and a bye week.
The disadvantaged Diriangen fought Juventus Managua in the preliminary playoff round, and will also play away in this second leg match.
Furthermore, the northerners from Esteli won the first leg 1-0 with a 74th minute golazo by Oscar Acevedo, which makes them heavy favorites to complete the double - after winning the Apertura earlier.
Diriangen has a miserable away record at Esteli, winning there only twice in the previous 50 games. Will history repeat itself once again, or will Diriangen produce a remontada?
Managua FC - Walter Ferretti (04:00 CET)
In the second match of the day, the two sides from the capital will meet after a disappointing 0-0 in the first leg.
Managua finished the regular season in first place by a seven point margin, and twelve points more than their rivals today. The start studded team, led by Brazilian Christiano, Spanish Pablo Gallego and Mexican Carlos Felix, are clear favorites.
On the other side, Ferretti are a dangerous side who can produce stunning attacking displays on any given day, with some high scoring results this season - with their own Mexican striker, Fernando Vilallpando, who is the top scorer of the league with 10 goals. Talented youngster Dshon Forbes will join him in attack, in an attempt to surprise the Blue Lions.
