Real Esteli will host Diriangen in their Nicaragua Primera Division clausura semifinal second leg match in midweek. The two clubs met over the weekend in their first leg fixture with Real Esteli picking up a narrow 1-0 win.
Oscar Acevedo scored the game’s only goal in the 75th minute to give Real Esteli the advantage going into the second leg. Diriangen’s Richard Rodriguez was sent off in the 66th minute enabling Real Esteli to have a man advantage. Rodriguez will miss the second leg this week.
Diriangen failed to register a shot on target against Real Esteli despite out shooting the visitors seven to five overall. Real Esteli tallied three shots on target showing despite a low number of shots on target, they can convert goals.
Until Real Esteli’s win at the weekend, the home team had dominated the last seven fixtures between the two clubs. Three of the last seven matches between Real Esteli and Diriangen ended in draws which could be the second leg semifinal’s result this week.
Diriangen have not won at Real Esteli’s Independence Soccer Stadium in their last three trips to the venue. If they want to reach the clausura final, they will need to overcome Real Esteli away from home.
The home team finished second in the regular season level on points with Diriangen. Goal difference separated the two in the final standings as Real Esteli tallied a +18-goal record.
Six of Real Esteli’s last seven games in all competitions ended without a defeat. The club have not lost since April 6 when they fell to defeat against Walter Ferretti. Five of Real Esteli’s last seven matches in all competitions finished with under 2.5 goals scored.
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Diriangen have been in good form over the course of their last seven fixtures. Just twice did Diriangen lose in their previous seven matches with Juventus Managua and Real Esteli both claiming victories. Four of the club’s last five games ended with under 2.5 goal tallied.
Six consecutive matches between Real Esteli and Diriangen ended with under 2.5 goals scored. These teams struggle to score goals when they meet. Diriangen are behind the eight-ball going into the game and need to score goals to progress to the clausura playoff final.
Diriangen are capable of scoring a goal, but finding the back of the net multiple times will be a struggle. Real Esteli should once again get the best of Diriangen on their home turf. The two sides should combine for under 2.5 goals in a stalemate in the semifinal second leg.