Saprissa defeats Mexico’s Tigres UANL behind Venegas goal

Costa Rican club Deportivo Saprissa defeated Mexico’s Tigres UANL, 1-0, on Tuesday at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League round of 16.

Johan Venegas’s header in the 73rd minute proved the winning margin for Saprissa against the Liga MX side.

The victory was another positive result for Saprissa’s new manager, Wálter “El Paté” Centeno. Best known for his tenure as a player with the Costa Rican national team, Centeno has led Saprissa to four wins and a draw since assuming the leadership role on Feb. 3.

But Centeno’s biggest managerial challenge yet will come Feb. 26 when Saprissa faces Tigres UANL in the return leg at Estadio Universitario in Mexico.

Costa Rican club Herediano will kick off its 2019 CONCACAF Champions League participation Thursday at home against Atlanta United F.C. of Major League Soccer.

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