Alejandro Bran returned to the heart of the midfield for LD Alajuelense on Sunday, providing a gritty 90-minute shift as the Manudos fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Municipal Pérez Zeledón. In a physical encounter at the Estadio Municipal, the former Minnesota United man was central to the defending champions’ efforts to salvage a point on the road and remain unbeaten in the early stages of the Clausura campaign.
Match recap
The match began with the home side, the Guerreros del Sur, looking to impose themselves early. They found the breakthrough in the 19th minute when Andrey Soto capitalized on a defensive lapse to give Pérez Zeledón a 1-0 lead. Alajuelense struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, facing a compact defensive block that limited their clear-cut chances.
The intensity increased after the break as Alajuelense manager Alexandre Guimarães pushed his lines forward. The pressure finally told in the 80th minute when Jeison Lucumí leveled the score at the far post following a well-delivered set-piece. While both sides pushed for a winner in a frantic final ten minutes, the points were ultimately shared in San Isidro.
Bran’s performance
Alejandro Bran was tasked with the “dirty work” in the center of the pitch, acting as the primary screen for the Alajuelense backline. Since returning from his stint in Major League Soccer, Bran has quickly re-established himself as a vital cog in the Alajuelense machine. He was involved in several heavy challenges throughout the afternoon as he sought to break up the Pérez Zeledón transitions.
His performance was marked by high energy and tactical discipline, though his competitive nature saw him enter the referee’s book in the 67th minute. Despite the yellow card, Bran remained on the pitch for the full duration, providing the stability needed for his side to mount their late comeback.
Stats
- Minutes played: 90
- Yellow cards: 1 (67′)
- Pass completion: 82%
- Tackles won: 3
- Interceptions: 2
What’s next
Bran and Alajuelense won’t have much time to dwell on the draw, as they return home for a midweek clash against Cartaginés on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Currently sitting in the top half of the table, the Manudos will be looking for their first three-point haul of the Clausura to keep pace with the early leaders.
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