2017–18 Honduran Liga Nacional

The 2017–18 Honduran Liga Nacional season was the 52nd Honduran Liga Nacional edition since its establishment in 1965. For this season, the system format remained the same as the previous season. The tournament started on 28 July 2017 and ended on 19 May 2018. The season was divided into two halves (Apertura and Clausura), each crowning one champion. C.D. Marathón, as the team with the best record, qualified to the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League. Real C.D. España and F.C. Motagua qualified to the 2018 CONCACAF League.

Liga Nacional
Season2017–18
Dates29 July 2017–May 2018
ChampionsApertura: Real España
Clausura: Marathón
RelegatedReal Sociedad
CONCACAF Champions LeagueMarathón
CONCACAF LeagueReal España
Motagua
Matches played200
Goals scored545 (2.73 per match)
Top goalscorerArboleda (24)
Biggest home winOLI 6–1 HNP
Biggest away winHNP 2–5 MAR
Highest scoringVID 5–3 HNP
JUT 3–5 OLI
Longest unbeaten runMotagua (12)
Longest losing runPlatense (5)
Real España (5)
Juticalpa (5)
All statistics correct as of 19 May 2018.

2017–18 teams edit

A total of 10 teams contested the tournament, including 9 sides from the 2016–17 season plus Lobos UPNFM, promoted from the 2016–17 Liga de Ascenso.

Team Location Stadium Capacity
Honduras Progreso El Progreso Estadio Humberto Micheletti 5,000
Juticalpa Juticalpa Estadio Juan Ramón Brevé Vargas 20,000
Marathón San Pedro Sula Estadio Yankel Rosenthal 15,000
Motagua Tegucigalpa Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino 35,000
Olimpia Tegucigalpa Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino 35,000
Platense Puerto Cortés Estadio Excélsior 7,910
Real España San Pedro Sula Estadio Francisco Morazán 26,781
Real Sociedad Tocoa Estadio Francisco Martínez Durón 3,000
UPNFM Tegucigalpa Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino 35,000
Vida La Ceiba Estadio Nilmo Edwards 18,000
  • Motagua changed its name from Club Deportivo Motagua to Fútbol Club Motagua.
  • F.C. Motagua used Comayagua and Choluteca as alternate venues in some games.
  • Lobos UPNFM used Comayagua and Choluteca as alternate venues in some games.

Managerial changes edit

Team Outgoing manager Manner of departure Vacancy Replaced by Appointment Position in table
Juticalpa   José Durón Sacked 18 May 2017   Mauro Reyes 18 May 2017[1] Preseason
Marathón   Manuel Keosseián Resigned 6 June 2017   Héctor Vargas 6 June 2017[2] Preseason
Vida   Santiago Fúnez Sacked 7 June 2017   Héctor Castellón 6 June 2017[3] Preseason
Real Sociedad   Héctor Medina Sacked 26 June 2017   Carlos Martínez 26 June 2017[4] Preseason
Honduras Progreso   Wilmer Cruz Resigned 5 September 2017   Nerlin Membreño 5 September 2017[5] 9th
Platense   Reynaldo Clavasquín Sacked[6] 20 September 2017   Jorge Lozano 21 September 2017 10th
Real Sociedad   Carlos Martínez Resigned 1 October 2017   Douglas Munguía 4 October 2017 9th
Real España   Ramón Maradiaga Resigned 23 October 2017   Erick Gallegos 24 October 2017 5th
Real España   Erick Gallegos Replaced 7 November 2017   Martín García[7] 7 November 2017 7th
Honduras Progreso   Nerlin Membreño Sacked 12 December 2017   Horacio Londoño 27 December 2017 Mid-season
Platense   Jairo Ríos Sacked 28 January 2018   Carlos Martínez 28 January 2018 10th
Juticalpa   Mauro Reyes Sacked 15 February 2018   Ramón Maradiaga[8] 15 February 2018 10th
Olimpia   Carlos Restrepo Sacked 20 March 2018   Nahúm Espinoza 20 March 2018 3rd

Apertura edit

The Apertura tournament was the first half of the 2017–18 season which ran from July to December 2017. The first game of the season was played on 29 July between Club Deportivo Olimpia and new newcomers Lobos UPNFM which ended in a 1–0 victory for the home club.[9] This game in fact corresponds to week 4, however, Olimpia requested a reschedule as they faced Liga Deportiva Alajuelense on that same week for the 2017 CONCACAF League. On 18 August, la entire week 3 was cancelled due to a referee's strike, who requested for a salary increase which was rejected.[10] On 2 September, C.D. Honduras Progreso played against Lobos UPNFM at Estadio Humberto Micheletti, a game which was witnessed only by 56 spectators, one more over the current record implemented by Palestino F.C. v Pumas UNAH (55 in 1998). On 24 September, F.C. Motagua paid a visit to Platense F.C. at Estadio Excélsior; Motagua came with a long 21-game unbeaten run carried since last season; on the other hand, Platense were at the bottom of the league standings. Motagua scored 3 consecutive goals in the first 60 minutes of play to obtain a comfortable lead; however, in the last 20+ minutes of the match, Platense scored 4 goals to give the Selacios the most unlikely win of the season so far.[11] On 19 November, C.D. Marathón defeated Olimpia 0–1 and clinched the first position in the regular standings for their fifth time in history.[12] Three of the four playoff matches were rescheduled due to the 2017 Honduran political crisis. During the 1st leg of the semifinal between Real C.D. España and C.D. Marathón, referee Armando Castro gave Real España a non-existing penalty. Furious fans from the opposite side invaded the pitch and started throwing rocks to policemen and referees. Police answered with tear gas bombs and the authorities decided to suspend the match. The other semifinal between Olimpia and Motagua was also suspended due to lack of security guarantees. On 14 December, the League informed that without safety measures, they will not scheduled any other games until further notice.[13] On 18 December, due to the pressing situation, the League decided to play the rest of the tournament in closed doors, except for the final series. Real España obtained their 12th national title after beating Motagua in the final with a 3–2 global score.

Regular season edit

Standings edit

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Marathón 18 11 1 6 27 21 +6 34 Qualification to the Semifinals
2 Motagua 18 9 6 3 31 21 +10 33
3 Olimpia 18 9 4 5 27 15 +12 31 Qualification to the Second round
4 Real España 18 9 2 7 31 25 +6 29
5 Juticalpa 18 8 4 6 39 30 +9 28
6 UPNFM 18 7 3 8 22 28 −6 24
7 Real Sociedad 18 6 4 8 22 28 −6 22
8 Vida 18 5 6 7 20 23 −3 21
9 Platense 18 6 1 11 20 37 −17 19
10 Honduras Progreso 18 4 1 13 26 37 −11 13
Updated to match(es) played on 23 November 2017. Source: [citation needed]

Results edit

As of 23 November 2017
Home \ Away HNP JUT MAR MOT OLI PLA RES RSO UPN VID
Honduras Progreso 1–2 4–3 2–3 0–1 5–1 0–2 2–2 1–2 2–1
Juticalpa 3–1 3–0 2–2 2–2 5–1 2–3 1–1 3–1 4–1
Marathón 1–0 3–2 1–2 3–2 1–0 1–0 2–0 5–0 1–0
Motagua 1–0 3–2 1–0 1–1 5–1 2–1 1–1 1–1 0–0
Olimpia 3–0 4–1 0–1 0–0 3–0 3–0 2–1 1–0 0–0
Platense 1–0 1–2 0–3 4–3 1–2 3–1 4–2 2–0 1–0
Real España 3–2 2–1 4–0 3–2 2–0 1–0 2–3 2–3 3–0
Real Sociedad 0–1 0–2 2–0 0–2 2–1 1–0 0–0 1–2 2–1
Lobos UPNFM 3–2 3–1 0–1 0–1 0–2 0–0 2–1 4–2 0–1
Vida 5–3 1–1 1–1 2–1 1–0 3–0 1–1 1–2 1–1
Source: Soccerway
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.

Postseason edit

Results edit

Playoffs Semifinals Finals
2 Motagua 0 3 3
3 Olimpia 2 2 4 3 Olimpia 2 1 3
6 UPNFM 2 0 2 1 Motagua 0 2 2
2 Real España 2 1 3
1 Marathón 0 3 3
4 Real España 3 2 5 4 Real España 3 1 4
5 Juticalpa 2 0 2
6 December 2017 Playoffs UPNFM 2–2 Olimpia Tegucigalpa
14:00 Flores   35' (pen.)
Montoya   83'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Pineda – 30
Enamorado – 2
Medina – 4
Fiallos – 7
  77' C. Róchez – 8
J. Róchez – 9
Padilla – 10
Yánez – 13
Flores – 23
  43' Arzú – 25
  69' Valencia – 29
Substitutes
  43' Rodríguez – 22
  69' Meléndez – 11
  77' Montoya – 16
Coach
Názar (HON)
Report   54' Estupiñán
  87' (pen.) López
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
28 – Escober (GK)
5 – Alvarado
6 – Castillo
16 – Rodas   46'
18 – Estupiñán
19 – Tobías
20 – López
21 – Rojas   64'
29 – G. Mejía
30 – Palacios
33 – Chirinos   75'
Substitutes
7 – C. Mejía   46'
10 – Méndez   64'
13 – Costly   75'
Coach
(COL) Restrepo
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Attendance: Closed gates
Referee: Melvin Matamoros
9 December 2017 Playoffs Olimpia 2–0 UPNFM Tegucigalpa
14:30 Velásquez   30'
Rojas   84'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Escober – 28
Alvarado – 5
Castillo – 6
  65' Rodas – 16
  74' Estupiñán – 18
Tobías – 19
Rojas – 21
Velásquez – 23
Mejía – 29
Palacios – 30
  82' Chirinos – 33
Substitutes
  65' Garrido – 8
  74' Costly – 13
  82' Álvarez – 2
Coach
Restrepo (COL)
Report

 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
30 – Pineda (GK)
2 – Enamorado
4 – Medina
9 – J. Róchez
10 – Padilla
11 – Meléndez   78'
13 – Yánez
14 – Castillo
15 – Urmeneta   46'
23 – Flores
25 – Arzú   68'
Substitutes
29 – Valencia   46'
8 – C. Róchez   68'
16 – Montoya   78'
Coach
(HON) Názar
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Attendance: 3,258
Referee: Óscar Moncada
  • Olimpia won 4–2 on aggregate.
30 November 2017 Playoffs Juticalpa 2–3 Real España Juticalpa
19:00 Colón   23'
Quiroz   60' (o.g.)

 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting IX
(GK) Mendoza – 1
Cyrus – 2
Colón – 4
  59' Munguía – 5
  76' Güity – 6
Morazán – 8
Tinoco – 9
Lanza – 10
  59' Ramírez – 17
Willians – 30
Matute – 33
Substitutes
  59' Ocampo – 7
  59' Velásquez – 18
  76' Rubí – 20
Coach
Reyes (HON)
Report   6' Martínez
  55' López
  73' Arévalo
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting IX
1 – Hernández (GK)
10 – Martínez
15 – Vargas
17 – Claros   83'
18 – Vuelto
19 – López   72'
20 – Arévalo
23 – Delgado
24 – Borjas
28 – Oseguera
45 – Quiroz   69'
Substitutes
35 – Cardozo   69'
16 – Zalazar   72'
2 – Montes   83'
Coach
(URU) García
Stadium: Estadio Juan Ramón Brevé Vargas
Attendance: 1,632
Referee: Nelson Salgado
7 December 2017 Playoffs Real España 2–0 Juticalpa San Pedro Sula
16:00 Zalazar   11'
Vuelto   66'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Hernández – 1
Martínez – 10
Vargas – 15
  58' Zalazar – 16
  78' Claros – 17
  70' Vuelto – 18
López – 19
Arévalo – 20
Delgado – 23
Oseguera – 28
Barahona – 44
Substitutes
  58' Benavídez – 38
  70' Tejeda – 13
  78' Chávez – 27
Coach
García (URU)
Report

 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Mendoza (GK)
4 – Colón   16'
6 – Güity
7 – Ocampo
8 – Morazán
9 – Tinoco
10 – Lanza
17 – Ramírez
18 – Velásquez   78'
26 – Duarte
33 – Matute   58'
Substitutes
3 – Murillo   16'
14 – Oseguera   58'
30 – Willians   78'
Coach
(HON) Reyes
Stadium: Estadio Francisco Morazán
Attendance: 1,316
Referee: Orlando Hernández
  • Real España won 5–2 on aggregate.

21 December 2017 Semifinals Real España 3–0 Marathón San Pedro Sula
10:00 Delgado   43'
Oseguera   69'
Claros  
Benavídez   72'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Hernández – 1
Martínez – 10
Vargas – 15
  65' Zalazar – 16
Claros – 17
  84' Vuelto – 18
López – 19
Arévalo – 20
Delgado – 23
Oseguera – 28
Barahona – 44
Substitutes
  65' Benavídez – 38
  84' Cardozo – 35

Coach
García (URU)
Report



 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
29 – Calderón (GK)
3 – Córdova
4 – Fernandes
6 – Suazo
8 – Lacayo
16 – Banegas
19 – Berríos   46'
23 – Leverón   30'
24 – Lahera
27 – Arboleda
48 – Cálix   59'
Substitutes
2 – Bernárdez   30'
38 – Martínez   46'
10 – Vargas   59'
Coach
(ARG) Vargas
Stadium: Estadio Francisco Morazán (1'–71')
Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano (72'–90')

Attendance: 6,931
Referee: Armando Castro (1'–71')
Raúl Castro (72'–90')
23 December 2017 Semifinals Marathón 3–1 Real España San Pedro Sula
15:00 Lacayo   53'
Arboleda   56' (pen.)   62' (pen.)
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Calderón – 29
Bernárdez – 2
Córdova – 3
Fernandes – 4
Suazo – 6
Lacayo – 8
  39' Vargas – 10
Banegas – 16
  51' Berríos – 19
  12' Lahera – 24
Arboleda – 27
Substitutes
  12' Cálix – 48
  39' Rodríguez – 7
  51' Romero – 22
Coach
Vargas (ARG)
Report   10' Martínez

 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Hernández (GK)
2 – Montes
10 – Martínez
15 – Vargas
16 – Zalazar   46'
17 – Claros
18 – Vuelto   77'
19 – López
20 – Arévalo   46'
24 – Borjas
28 – Oseguera
Substitutes
13 – Tejeda   46'
38 – Benavídez   46'
6 – García   77'
Coach
(URU) García
Stadium: Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano
Attendance: Closed gates
Referee: Saíd Martínez
  • First leg was partially played on 13 December after being suspended at 71' (2–0) due to crowd invading the pitch. Match was resumed on 21 December.
  • Real España won 4–3 on aggregate.
20 December 2017 Semifinals Olimpia 2–0 Motagua Tegucigalpa
15:00 Estupiñán   79'
López   90+5' (pen.)
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Escober – 28
  23' Álvarez – 2
  74' Costly – 13
Paz – 17
Tobías – 19
López – 20
  69' Rojas – 21
Velásquez – 23
Mejía – 29
Palacios – 30
Chirinos – 33
Substitutes
  23' Castillo – 6
  69' Mejía – 7
  74' Estupiñán – 18
Coach
Restrepo (COL)
Report

 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
19 – Rougier (GK)
2 – Montes
3 – Figueroa
6 – Mayorquín   46'
7 – Discua   82'
11 – Vega
14 – Hernández  
16 – Castellanos
18 – W. Crisanto   69'
24 – Elvir
27 – F. Crisanto
Substitutes
23 – Flores   46'
34 – López   69'
8 – Martínez   82'
Coach
(ARG) Vásquez
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Attendance: Closed gates
Referee: Saíd Martínez
23 December 2017 Semifinals Motagua 3–1 Olimpia Tegucigalpa
15:00 Vega   48'
Castillo   55'   74'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Rougier – 19
Montes – 2
Figueroa – 3
  21' Pereira – 5
Discua – 7
  46' Martínez – 8
Castillo – 9
Vega – 11
Castellanos – 16
  46' W. Crisanto – 18
Elvir – 24
Substitutes
  21' F. Crisanto – 27
  46' López – 34
  46' Mayorquín – 6
Coach
Caballero (HON)
Report   3' Velásquez

 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
28 – Escober (GK)
6 – Castillo
13 – Costly
17 – Paz
19 – Tobías
20 – López
21 – Rojas   70'
23 – Velásquez
29 – G. Mejía   79'
30 – Palacios
33 – Chirinos   56'
Substitutes
8 – Garrido   56'
7 – C. Mejía   70'
18 – Estupiñán   79'
Coach
(COL) Restrepo
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Attendance: Closed gates
Referee: Melvin Matamoros
  • Motagua 3–3 Olimpia on aggregate. Motagua advanced on regular season record.

27 December 2017 Final Real España 2–0 Motagua San Pedro Sula
17:30 Vuelto   36'   76'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Hernández – 1
  90+1' Montes – 2
  71' Martínez – 10
Vargas – 15
Zalazar – 16
Claros – 17
Vuelto – 18
  87' López – 19
Delgado – 23
Oseguera – 28
Barahona – 44
Substitutes
  71' Benavídez – 38
  87' García – 6
  90+1' Cardozo – 35
Coach
García (URU)
Report
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
19 – Rougier (GK)
2 – Montes
3 – Figueroa
6 – Mayorquín   64'
7 – Discua
9 – Castillo
16 – Castellanos
24 – Elvir
27 – F. Crisanto
31 – Bernárdez   46'
34 – López   82'
Substitutes
11 – Vega   46'
23 – Flores   64'
18 – W. Crisanto   82'
Coach
(ARG) Vásquez
Stadium: Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano
Attendance: 8,192
Referee: Héctor Rodríguez
30 December 2017 Final Motagua 2–1 (a.e.t.) Real España Tegucigalpa
16:00 Castillo   62'   73' (pen.)
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Licona – 25
Montes – 2
Figueroa – 3
  46' Mayorquín – 6
Discua – 7
Castillo – 9
  46' Vega – 11
Castellanos – 16
  60' W. Crisanto – 18
Elvir – 24
F. Crisanto – 27
Substitutes
  46' Hernández – 14
  46' Martínez – 8
  60' López – 34
Coach
Vásquez (ARG)
Report   108' Tejeda
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Hernández (GK)
2 – Montes
10 – Martínez   82'
15 – Vargas
16 – Zalazar   105+1'
17 – Claros
18 – Vuelto   65'
19 – López
23 – Delgado
28 – Oseguera
44 – Barahona
Substitutes
13 – Tejeda   65'
38 – Benavídez   82'
6 – García   105+1'
Coach
(URU) García
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Attendance: 13,052
Referee: Saíd Martínez
  • Real España won 3–2 on aggregate.

Clausura edit

The Clausura tournament was the second half of the 2017–18 season which ran from January to May 2018. The schedule was released on 9 December 2017. On 15 April, F.C. Motagua's winger Wilmer Crisanto scored the 20,000th goal in the history of the league. C.D. Marathón finished first in the regular season standings for their second tournament in a row. Just as the previous tournament; Marathón, Motagua, Club Deportivo Olimpia and Real C.D. España reached the semifinals round. On 5 May, Marathón qualified to their 18th final and their first one since 2014. One day later, Motagua eliminated Olimpia and qualified to their 4th consecutive final. It was the 4th time in the league's history that the final series was played between the contenders of the M's Derby. Marathón obtained their 9th national title and Motagua lost their second final in a row.

Regular season edit

Standings edit

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Marathón 18 11 4 3 35 23 +12 37 Qualification to the Semifinals
2 Motagua 18 10 4 4 29 17 +12 34
3 Olimpia 18 9 6 3 34 19 +15 33 Qualification to the Second round
4 Real España 18 7 7 4 22 19 +3 28
5 Honduras Progreso 18 8 2 8 22 30 −8 26
6 Platense 18 6 4 8 22 27 −5 22
7 Vida 18 5 6 7 18 19 −1 21
8 UPNFM 18 5 3 10 18 27 −9 18
9 Juticalpa 18 5 2 11 25 32 −7 17
10 Real Sociedad 18 3 4 11 11 23 −12 13
Updated to match(es) played on 15 April 2018. Source: [citation needed]

Results edit

As of 15 April 2018
Home \ Away HNP JUT MAR MOT OLI PLA RES RSO UPN VID
Honduras Progreso 4–3 2–5 1–2 3–2 2–1 1–1 1–0 1–0 1–0
Juticalpa 2–1 2–0 0–1 3–5 3–1 1–2 2–1 1–1 1–2
Marathón 2–1 2–1 2–1 3–1 3–0 1–1 3–1 3–2 2–2
Motagua 3–0 3–2 3–0 0–1 1–2 1–2 2–0 2–0 1–0
Olimpia 6–1 1–2 1–1 1–1 0–0 2–2 1–0 4–0 1–1
Platense 0–1 0–0 2–4 3–3 1–2 1–1 2–1 1–0 3–1
Real España 1–0 1–0 1–1 0–0 0–1 4–2 1–0 0–1 1–0
Real Sociedad 0–1 1–0 1–0 2–2 0–2 0–1 2–0 1–1 1–1
Lobos UPNFM 1–0 3–2 1–2 1–2 0–2 0–2 2–2 3–0 2–1
Vida 1–1 3–0 0–1 0–1 1–1 1–0 3–2 0–0 1–0
Source: Soccerway
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.

Postseason edit

Results edit

Playoffs Semifinals Finals
1 Marathón 1 2 3
4 Real España 1 0 1 4 Real España 0 1 1
5 Honduras Progreso 1 0 1 1 Marathón 1 0 1 (5)
2 Motagua 1 0 1 (4)
2 Motagua 0 1 1
3 Olimpia 0 2 2 3 Olimpia 0 1 1
6 Platense 0 1 1
19 April 2018 Playoffs Platense 0–0 Olimpia Puerto Cortés
19:15
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Zúniga – 1
Castro – 2
Bolaños – 3
Palacios – 6
Aguilar – 15
  56' Cardona – 16
  73' Winchester – 24
Mendoza – 25
Flores – 29
  82' Benítez – 30
Arriaga – 33
Substitutes
  56' Hay – 77
  73' Nieto – 8
  82' Vargas
Coach
Martínez (HON)
Report
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
28 – Escober (GK)
2 – Álvarez
4 – Ovalle
5 – Alvarado
7 – C. Mejía   66'
12 – Martínez   81'
26 – Salas
29 – G. Mejía
30 – Palacios
33 – Chirinos
55 – Gómez
Substitutes
23 – Velásquez   66'
13 – Costly   81'

Coach
(HON) Espinoza
Stadium: Estadio Excélsior
Referee: Melvin Matamoros
22 April 2018 Playoffs Olimpia 2–1 Platense Tegucigalpa
16:00 Chirinos   32'
Martínez   36'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Escober – 28
Álvarez – 2
Ovalle – 4
Alvarado – 5
  72' Martínez – 12
Paz – 17
  84' Salas – 26
G. Mejía – 29
J. Palacios – 30
  90' Chirinos – 33
Gómez – 55
Substitutes
  72' Velásquez – 23
  84' W. Palacios – 8
  90' C. Mejía – 7
Coach
Espinoza (HON)
Report   86' Winchester

 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Zúniga (GK)
2 – Castro   40'
4 – Norales
6 – Palacios
8 – Nieto
16 – Cardona
21 – Ramos   37'
24 – Winchester
25 – Mendoza
30 – Benítez
31 – Ávila
Substitutes
15 – Aguilar   37'   60'
10 – Álvarez   40'
77 – Hay   60'
Coach
(HON) Martínez
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Héctor Rodríguez
  • Olimpia won 2–1 on aggregate.
18 April 2018 Playoffs Honduras Progreso 1–1 Real España El Progreso
19:15 León   41'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Licona – 22
Ettienne – 4
Delgado – 6
  61' López – 7
Morales – 10
  77' Acevedo – 12
  77' León – 20
Smith – 21
Mencía – 23
Gutiérrez – 24
Sánchez – 31
Substitutes
  61' Cardona – 8
  77' Elvir – 11
  77' Andrade – 5
Coach
Londoño (COL)
Report   81' López
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting IX
1 – Hernández (GK)
4 – Velásquez
10 – Martínez   78'
13 – Tejeda   59'
15 – Vargas
17 – Claros
20 – Arévalo   59'
23 – Delgado
24 – Borjas
28 – Oseguera
38 – Benavídez
Substitutes
19 – López   59'
16 – Zalazar   59'
5 – Flores   78'
Coach
(URU) García
Stadium: Estadio Humberto Micheletti
Referee: Óscar Moncada
21 April 2018 Playoffs Real España 0–0 Honduras Progreso San Pedro Sula
19:00
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting IX
(GK) Hernández – 1
Velásquez – 4
  46' Martínez – 10
  67' Vargas – 15
Zalazar – 16
Claros – 17
López – 19
Delgado – 23
Borjas – 24
Oseguera – 28
  74' Benavídez – 38
Substitutues
  46' Tejeda – 13
  67' Arévalo – 20
  74' Altamirano – 14
Coach
García (URU)
Report
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting IX
22 – Licona (GK)
4 – Ettienne
6 – Delgado
7 – López
10 – Morales   68'
12 – Acevedo
20 – León   81'
21 – Smith
23 – Mencía
24 – Gutiérrez
31 – Sánchez
Substitutes
8 – Cardona   68'
11 – Elvir   81'

Coach
(COL) Londoño
Stadium: Estadio General Francisco Morazán
Referee: Armando Castro
  • Real España 1–1 Honduras Progreso on aggregate. Real España advanced on regular season record.

28 April 2018 Semifinals Real España 0–1 Marathón San Pedro Sula
19:00
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting IX
(GK) Hernández – 1
Velásquez – 4
Tejeda – 13
Vargas – 15
Zalazar – 16
  67' Claros – 17
López – 19
  73' Borjas – 24
Oseguera – 28
Benavídez – 38
  56' Quiroz – 45
Substitutes
  53' Martínez – 10
  67' Delgado – 23
  73' Flores – 5
Coach
García (URU)
Report   50' Arboleda
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting IX
25 – Torres (GK)
3 – Córdova
6 – Suazo
8 – Lacayo
15 – Espinoza   77'
16 – Banegas
23 – Leverón
24 – Lahera   56'
27 – Arboleda
29 – Johnson
38 – Martínez   67'
Substitutes
2 – Bernárdez   56'
17 – Fuentes   67'
7 – Rodríguez   77'
Coach
(ARG) Vargas
Stadium: Estadio General Francisco Morazán
Attendance: 7,563
Referee: Melvin Matamoros
5 May 2018 Semifinals Marathón 2–1 Real España San Pedro Sula
15:00 Leverón   4' (pen.)
Lahera   50'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Torres – 25
Córdova – 3
Suazo – 6
Lacayo – 8
  52' Espinoza – 15
Banegas – 16
Leverón – 23
  50' Lahera – 24
Arboleda – 27
Johnson – 29
  62' Martínez – 38
Substitutes
  50' Bernárdez – 2
  52' Villanueva – 49
  62' Fuentes – 17
Coach
Vargas (ARG)
Report   89' (pen.) Martínez

 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Hernández (GK)
4 – Velásquez
10 – Martínez
13 – Tejeda
15 – Vargas   46'
16 – Zalazar   65'
19 – López
23 – Delgado
28 – Oseguera
38 – Benavídez
44 – Barahona   46'
Substitutes
20 – Arévalo   46'
37 – Guevara   46'
14 – Altamirano   65'
Coach
(URU) García
Stadium: Estadio Yankel Rosenthal
Attendance: 5,545
Referee: Héctor Rodríguez
  • Marathón won 3–1 on aggregate.
29 April 2018 Semifinals Olimpia 0–0 Motagua Tegucigalpa
16:00
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting IX
(GK) Escober – 28
Álvarez – 2
Ovalle – 4
Alvarado – 5
  78' Martínez – 12
Paz – 17
  72' Salas – 26
G. Mejía – 29
J. Palacios – 30
Chirinos – 33
  83' Gómez – 55
Substitutes
  72' W. Palacios – 8
  78' Costly – 13
  83' C. Mejía – 7
Coach
Espinoza (HON)
Report
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting IX
19 – Rougier (GK)
2 – Montes
3 – Figueroa
6 – Mayorquín
7 – Discua   75'
9 – Castillo
10 – Andino   83'
12 – Santos
16 – Castellanos
17 – Maldonado
27 – Crisanto
Substitutes
14 – Mayenfisch   75'
22 – Estupiñán   83'

Coach
(ARG) Vásquez
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Saíd Martínez
6 May 2018 Semifinals Motagua 1–1 Olimpia Tegucigalpa
16:00 Martínez   76'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Rougier – 19
  72' Montes – 2
Figueroa – 3
  46' Mayorquín – 6
Discua – 7
Castillo – 9
Andino – 10
  46' Santos – 12
Castellanos – 16
W. Crisanto – 18
F. Crisanto – 27
Substitutes
  46' Elvir – 24
  46' Martínez – 8
  72' Estupiñán – 22
Coach
Vásquez (ARG)
Report   39' Costly
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting IX
28 – Escober (GK)
2 – Álvarez
4 – Ovalle
5 – Alvarado
7 – Mejía
12 – Martínez   71'
13 – Costly
16 – Rodas
17 – Paz
30 – J. Palacios
33 – Chirinos   66'
Substitutes
6 – Castillo   66'
8 – W. Palacios   71'

Coach(HON)
Espinoza
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Óscar Moncada
  • Motagua 1–1 Olimpia on aggregate. Motagua advanced on regular season record.

  • Marathón 1–1 Motagua on aggregate. Marathón won 5–4 on penalty shoot-outs.

Top goalscorers edit

The top goalscorer was determined by the addition of goals of both Apertura and Clausura tournaments.

As of 19 May 2018
  • 24 goals:
  • 23 goals:
  • 14 goals:
  • 12 goals:
  • 11 goals:
  • 10 goals:
  • 9 goals:
  • 8 goals:
  • 7 goals:
  • 6 goals:
  • 5 goals:
  • 4 goals:
  • 3 goals:
  • 2 goals:
  • 1 goal:
  Óscar Salas (Olimpia)
  Patrick Palacios (Real España)
  Pastor Martínez (Honduras Progreso)
  Kendrick Cárcamo (Real Sociedad)
  Pablo Arzú (Real Sociedad)
  Fabián Castillo (Platense)
  Esdras Padilla (Juticalpa)
  Richard Rodríguez (Vida)
  Carlos Palacios (Vida)
  Mario Berríos (Marathón)
  César Oseguera (Real España)
  Nixon Duarte (Juticalpa)
  Lázaro Yánez (UPNFM)
  Javier Portillo (Vida)
  Luis Castro (Platense)
  José Reyes (Olimpia)
  Édgar Álvarez (Platense)
  Secundino Martínez (Real Sociedad)
  Henry Figueroa (Motagua)
  Joshua Vargas (Marathón)
  José Tobías (Olimpia)
  Frédixon Elvir (Honduras Progreso)
  Mario Flores (Real Sociedad)
  Clinton Arzú (UPNFM)
  José Arévalo (Real España)
  Hermes Castillo (UPNFM)
  Cholby Martínez (Platense)
  Kevin Caminos (Honduras Progreso)
  Robbie Matute (Real Sociedad)
  Rigoberto Padilla (UPNFM)
  Sergio Peña (Real Sociedad)
  Nissi Sauceda (UPNFM)
  Maycol Montero (UPNFM)
  José Murillo (Juticalpa)
  Miguel Flores (Vida)
  Juan Delgado (Honduras Progreso)
  Erick Andino (Motagua)
  Enuar Salgado (Real Sociedad)
  Brayan García (Vida)
  Mariano Acevedo (Honduras Progreso)
  Brayan Figueroa (Platense)
  Roby Norales (Platense)
  Marvin Bernárdez (Vida)
  Óliver Morazán (Juticalpa)
  Marcelo Pereira (Motagua)
  Dílmer Gutiérrez (Real Sociedad)
  Gerson Rodas (Olimpia)
  Elder Torres (Vida)
  Aldo Oviedo (Juticalpa)
  Eduardo Martínez (Real España)
  Malik St. Prix (Vida)
  • 1 own goal:

Aggregate table edit

Relegation was determined by the aggregated table of both Apertura and Clausura tournaments. On 15 April 2018, C.D. Real Sociedad and Platense F.C. faced in the last round. Coincidentally, these were the only two clubs at this point involved with relegation risks. Platense won 0–1 at Estadio Francisco Martínez Durón and thus sending Real Sociedad to Liga de Ascenso.

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Marathón 36 22 5 9 62 44 +18 71 2019 CONCACAF Champions League
2 Motagua 36 19 10 7 60 38 +22 67 2018 CONCACAF League
3 Olimpia 36 18 10 8 61 34 +27 64
4 Real España 36 16 9 11 53 44 +9 57 2018 CONCACAF League
5 Juticalpa 36 13 6 17 64 62 +2 45
6 Vida 36 10 12 14 38 42 −4 42
7 UPNFM 36 12 6 18 40 55 −15 42
8 Platense 36 12 5 19 42 64 −22 41
9 Honduras Progreso 36 12 3 21 48 67 −19 39
10 Real Sociedad 36 9 8 19 33 51 −18 35 Relegation to Liga de Ascenso
Updated to match(es) played on 15 April 2018. Source: [citation needed]

Awards edit

The 2017–18 season awards were published on 24 September 2018 as follows:

Controversies edit

  • In August 2017, former Real C.D. España player Javier Portillo sued the club due to a non-paid contract expiring in 2018. Portillo was sacked in October 2016 for unsporting conduct and passed over the agreement.[14] The National Football Arbitration Court (TNAF) determined that the club must comply with the contract and pay Portillo the sum of L.1,050,000.00 before the start of the Apertura tournament.[15] On 5 August 2017, Real España played their first game of the season defeating Platense F.C. at Estadio Francisco Morazán. A few hours prior, the club had issued a non-negotiable check payable to TNAF and not to Portillo as the verdict demanded. As a result, and according to the league's disciplinary codes,[16] these breaches are penalized with the deduction of points until the debt is condoned, or even relegation to a lower tier. On 10 August 2017, Fuad Abufele, president of Real España, threatened to withdraw from the league if any points are deducted.[17] A week later, Real España did finally issue the check payable to Portillo and the Appeal Commission decided not to deduct any points from Real España, thus contradicting their own regulations.[18] Real España, however, is willing to take the case further to FIFA.[19]
  • Due to a referee's strike who were demanding an increase in their salary, the entire week 3 in the Apertura tournament was suspended and had to be rescheduled.[20] The tournament was resumed on week 4 and due to the tight schedule, the pending games were played during a FIFA International Match Calendar.
  • On weeks 7 and 12, C.D. Marathón's defender Caue Fernandes injured Carlo Costly against Club Deportivo Olimpia and Eddie Hernández against F.C. Motagua respectively. Both injuries included serious fractures which had left both players out of competition for several weeks and consequently missing important World Cup qualifying matches. In both occasions, Costly strongly criticized Fernandes for his actions calling him a #pig on his Twitter account.[21]
  • Real C.D. España lost their fifth consecutive game in week 14 against last placed Platense F.C. Due to the poor results, president Fuad Abufele publicly threatened the players by revealing that their salary was partially frozen. Additionally, he stated that if the team doesn't react on time, their players might have bitter Christmas.[22]
  • During the elaboration of the Clausura schedule on 9 December 2017, both F.C. Motagua and Lobos UPNFM elected to move some of their home games to Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse in Choluteca, the further south stadium in Honduras. This wasn't seen with good eyes by northern clubs such as C.D.S. Vida and C.D. Real Sociedad claiming the distance they have to travel to get there.
  • During the Apertura postseason, Allan Pineda, director of the Regional Commission of Discipline, was strongly criticized by the media and specially by F.C. Motagua's foremen, due to his inconsistency when interpreting and enforcing the law. Right before the semifinals, the entity penalized Club Deportivo Olimpia's midfielder Alexander López for one game only due to his violent conduct and a straight red card in a playoff game against Lobos UPNFM. López complied and was eligible to play against Motagua in the semifinals. However, the controversy arose when back in November UPNFM's midfielder Mayron Flores was given two games of suspension for exactly the same actions during a regular season match, consequently missing action against Olimpia in the playoffs. Pineda is known for being an Olimpia's supporter.[23]
  • On 13 December 2017, Real C.D. España and C.D. Marathón were playing for the first leg of the Apertura semifinals. In the 71st minute, the referee Armando Castro called a non-existing penalty for Real España. Due to the controversial decision the Marathón's barra brava invaded the pitch and started trowing rocks at the referees and policemen. Real España's fans followed and tried to confront their rival's counterpart creating a chaos which ended up in the release of tear gas bombs. The game was suspended and was finally resumed eight days later on 21 December. The final 19 minutes of play were restarted with the penalty called one week prior in what was known as the longest match ever played in Honduras.
  • Prior the beginning of the Clausura tournament, five clubs (C.D. Honduras Progreso, C.D. Marathón, Platense F.C., C.D. Real Sociedad and C.D.S. Vida) which represents 50% of the league, declared themselves financially inoperative and unwilling to start the competition unless the league or the government provides them with at least L.4,000,000 to each team to help them heal some debts. Ironically, most of these clubs made notorious signings during the off-season. In the end, the league managed to obtain a loan for a fraction of the amount originally requested. Consequently, the entire schedule was postponed for one week.[24]
  • On week 4 of the Clausura tournament, Lobos UPNFM traveled to Tocoa to play against C.D. Real Sociedad. The visiting team claimed that the away locker rooms didn't meet the basic requirements for a professional competition. Coach Salomón Nazar complained that the dressing rooms didn't have water for his players to take showers after the match, having to do so outdoors with buckets.[25] In addition to that, the field itself presented evident deterioration due to the constant rainfall before and during the game. A great percentage of the field was covered in water and some sections even showed absence of grass, implying a great risk to the player's integrity. After a series of complains by the affected visiting teams and reporters, the owners of Estadio Francisco Martínez Durón banned the access to the media.[26]
  • On 10 March, F.C. Motagua's forward Román Castillo scored his 73rd goal with his club. Some media, statistic experts and historians claim that former player Ángel Obando scored 77 goals with Motagua between 1974 and 1986 and he has been the club's top-goalscorer for over 40 years. However, Motagua published on their social accounts their own list where Obando appears at the top of the list but with 73 goals only. If the club's numbers are correct, Castillo was now sharing the record along with Obando. The league was consulted by a local newspaper about the controversy to clarify this and to have an official version. Nevertheless, the league refused to publish their version unless the club inquires it in writing.[27]
  • In less than a week, Real C.D. España's executives were involved in two controversial discussions with their C.D. Marathón's and F.C. Motagua's counterparts. On week 14 of the Clausura tournament, Real España's forward Domingo Zalazar was roughly injured by Marathón's defender Bryan Johnson. Real España accused Marathón players for their supposedly deliberately actions to harm their rivals. Ronlin Peña, the sport manager of Marathón, called Real España's front-men short minded. Some Real España fans even showed up to Marathón's headquarters threatening Johnson. That same week, during the Honduran Superclásico between Motagua and Club Deportivo Olimpia, a riot occurred outside the stadium resulting in one dead, several injured and more detained.[28] Real España's president Elías Burbara posted on his Twitter account that he hoped for a punishment to the Tegucigalpa's clubs like the one they received last season for similar incidents. Motagua's president Pedro Atala replied saying that they usually never interfere into other's business and don't wish harm to their competitors.[29]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ LaPrensa.hn – El Juticalpa FC presenta a Mauro Reyes como técnico – 18 May 2017
  2. ^ LaPrensa.hn – Primicia: Héctor Vargas, nuevo DT del Marathón en reemplazo de Keosseián – 6 June 2017
  3. ^ LaPrensa.hn – Héctor Castellón, nuevo entrenador del Vida – 7 June 2017
  4. ^ LaTribuna.hn – Carlos “Carlón” Martínez nuevo técnico de Real Sociedad – 26 June 2017
  5. ^ LaPrensa.hn – Nerlin Membreño reemplaza al Wilmer Cruz en el Honduras Progreso – 5 September 2017
  6. ^ "Entrenador del Platense, segundo destituido en lo que va del torneo Apertura". Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  7. ^ "Martín "Tato" García nuevo entrenador del Real España". D10.com.py. D10. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  8. ^ "Ramón Maradiaga es el nuevo entrenador del Juticalpa". RadioHRN.hn. Radio HRN. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  9. ^ LNPhn.com – Calendario de Juegos Primera Vuelta Campeonato de Apertura 2017-2018 Archived 2017-10-26 at the Wayback Machine – 14 July 2017
  10. ^ DiarioMas.hn – Árbitros de Honduras se van a huelga – 18 August 2017
  11. ^ "¡Ta-ta! ¡Ta-ta!!!! Platense le remonta a un Motagua superior pero demasiado confiado". El Heraldo. El Heraldo. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  12. ^ "Marathon a semifinales al vencer a Olimpia en Honduras". EcoDiario.es. El Economista. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  13. ^ "Clásico capitalino suspendido porque no hay garantías de seguridad". ElPaís.hn. El País. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  14. ^ LaPrensa.hn – Javier Portillo queda fuera del Real España – 11 October 2017
  15. ^ Diez.hn – Real España pagará deuda de más de un millón de lempiras a Javier Portillo – 4 August 2017
  16. ^ LNPhn.com – CODIGO DISCIPLINARIO DE LA FEDERACION NACIONAL AUTONOMA DE FUTBOL – July 2011
  17. ^ Tiempo.hn – El Real España amenaza a la Liga Nacional si les quitan puntos – 10 August 2017
  18. ^ ElPaís.hn – Real España solventa en tiempo y forma deuda con Javier Portillo – 14 August 2017
  19. ^ LaPrensa.hn – Fuad Abufele a Javier Portillo: "Le aconsejo que no se coma ese dinero" – 10 August 2017
  20. ^ RadioAmericaHN.net – Suspendida jornada de primera división en Honduras por huelga de árbitros – 20 August 2017
  21. ^ "Carlo Costly arremete contra Caue Fernandes, tras lesionar a Eddie Hernández". ElHeraldo.hn. El Heraldo. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  22. ^ "Jugadores del España podrían pasar una amarga navidad". LaTribuna.hn. La Tribuna. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  23. ^ "La doble moral de Allan Pineda y compañía". DiarioMas.hn. Diario Mas. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  24. ^ "OFICIAL: Torneo Clausura inicia el 20 de enero". DiarioMas.hn. Diario Mas. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  25. ^ "¡Penoso! Jugadores de la UPN tuvieron que bañarse afuera de los camerinos en Tocoa". Diez.hn. Diario Diez. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  26. ^ "Tocoa tiene club de primera pero con cancha de tercera". LaTribuna.hn. La Tribuna. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  27. ^ "Motagua debe solicitar a la Liga Nacional registro de goles de 'Toño' Obando". Diez.hn. Diario Diez. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  28. ^ "Muere aficionado tras el juego entre Motagua y Olimpia". ElUniversal.com.mx. El Universal. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  29. ^ "Motagua pide que no veten su estadio tras queja de Real España". As.com. Diario AS. Retrieved 27 March 2018.

External links edit