2018–19 Liga Nacional de Honduras

The 2018–19 Liga Nacional de Honduras season was the 53rd edition of the Liga Nacional de Honduras, the top football league in Honduras, since its establishment in 1965. The tournament started in July 2018 and ended in June 2019. The season was divided into two halves (Apertura and Clausura), each crowning one champion. F.C. Motagua as winners of both tournaments, qualified to the 2019 CONCACAF League as HON1. Club Deportivo Olimpia as runner-ups and C.D. Marathón as the team with the third best record, also qualified to international contention for next season.

Liga Nacional de Honduras
Season2018–19
Dates28 July 2018–May 2019
ChampionsApertura: Motagua
Clausura: Motagua
RelegatedJuticalpa
CONCACAF LeagueMotagua
Olimpia
Marathón
Matches played203
Goals scored530 (2.61 per match)
Top goalscorerBengtson (24)
Biggest home winMAR 6–0 HNP
(17 April 2019)
Biggest away winHNP 2–6 RES
(7 October 2018)
Highest scoringHNP 2–6 RES
(7 October 2018)
Longest unbeaten runOLI (15)
Longest losing runRDM (6)
All statistics correct as of 2 June 2019.

2018–19 teams edit

A total of 10 teams will contest the tournament, including 9 sides from the 2017–18 season plus C.D. Real de Minas, promoted from the 2017–18 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 de Minas Tegucigalpa Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino 35,000
Real España San Pedro Sula Estadio Francisco Morazán 26,781
UPNFM Tegucigalpa Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino 35,000
Vida La Ceiba Estadio Nilmo Edwards 18,000
  • Real de Minas changed its name from Infop RNP to Club Deportivo Real de Minas.
  • C.D. Real de Minas will use Danlí and Siguatepeque as alternate venues.
  • Lobos UPNFM will use Choluteca as alternate venue.
  • Club Deportivo Olimpia used San Pedro Sula as alternate venue for one game.

Managerial changes edit

Team Outgoing manager Manner of departure Vacancy Replaced by Appointment Position in table
Juticalpa   Ramón Maradiaga Banned[1] 2 May 2018   Héctor Castellón 1 June 2018 Preseason
Real de Minas   Reynaldo Tilguath Replaced[2] 26 July 2018   Javier Padilla 26 July 2018 Preseason
Real de Minas   Javier Padilla Resigned 20 October 2018   Harold Yepes 22 October 2018 10th
Olimpia   Nahúm Espinoza Resigned 24 October 2018   Manuel Keosseián 25 October 2018 1st
Real de Minas   Harold Yepes Sacked 10 November 2018   Raúl Cáceres 5 December 2018 10th
Honduras Progreso   Mauro Reyes Sacked 10 November 2018   Hernán García 16 December 2018 7th
Real España   Martín García Resigned 1 December 2018   Carlos Restrepo 17 December 2018 5th
Juticalpa   Héctor Castellón Sacked 5 December 2018   Robert Lima 10 December 2018 9th
Vida   Raúl Martínez Sacked 17 February 2019   Héctor Castellón 17 February 2019 8th
Honduras Progreso   Hernán García Resigned 18 February 2019   Reynaldo Clavasquín 18 February 2019 7th
Juticalpa   Robert Lima Sacked 18 February 2019   Wilmer Cruz 19 February 2019 9th
Platense   Carlos Martínez Resigned 7 April 2019   Carlos Caballero 8 April 2019 6th
Honduras Progreso   Reynaldo Clavasquín Resigned 11 April 2019   Luís Alvarado 12 April 2019 9th
Platense   Carlos Caballero Sacked 8 May 2019   José Torres 16 May 2019[3] Play-offs

Apertura edit

The Apertura tournament was the first half of the 2018–19 season which run from 28 July to 16 December 2018. The schedule of the Apertura was released on 13 July.[4] F.C. Motagua finished at the top of the standings for their first time since 2010. Meanwhile, Lobos UPNFM reached their best regular season performance finishing third. C.D. Real de Minas finished last in their first league appearance. Club Deportivo Olimpia eliminated Real C.D. España and qualified to their first final series since 2016.[5] Motagua, their rivals on the other side, qualified to their fifth consecutive final.[6] With a 2–1 aggregate score, Motagua conquered their 16th national title.[7]

Regular season edit

Standings edit

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Motagua 18 11 4 3 28 11 +17 37 Advance to Playoffs
(Semifinals)
2 Olimpia 18 8 8 2 25 17 +8 32
3 UPNFM 18 9 3 6 25 20 +5 30 Advance to Playoffs
(Quarterfinals)
4 Marathón 18 7 7 4 28 22 +6 28
5 Real España 18 7 5 6 31 25 +6 26
6 Platense 18 6 6 6 21 18 +3 24
7 Honduras Progreso 18 6 4 8 27 31 −4 22
8 Vida 18 4 7 7 21 24 −3 19
9 Juticalpa 18 3 6 9 19 34 −15 15
10 Real de Minas 18 3 2 13 15 38 −23 11
Source: Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

Results edit

Home \ Away HNP JUT MAR MOT OLI PLA RDM RES UPN VID
Honduras Progreso 1–0 2–3 2–0 1–1 1–2 0–1 2–6 2–1 1–1
Juticalpa 0–0 0–3[a] 1–2 2–2 1–1 3–2 1–1 0–1 3–1
Marathón 3–1 4–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–2 2–1 0–0
Motagua 2–0 5–0 1–0 0–1 1–0 6–1 1–0 1–0 1–0
Olimpia 2–2 1–1 2–1 1–1 2–1 2–0 2–1 1–0 0–0[b]
Platense 2–3 0–0 1–0 1–0 0–0 4–1 2–1 0–0 2–2
Real de Minas 0–2 1–2 3–1 0–0 1–3 0–3 1–0 0–1 0–2
Real España 3–2 2–1 1–1 1–1 1–3 1–0 2–1 1–2 3–0
UPNFM 3–1 4–1 1–1 1–3 2–1 2–1 2–0 1–3 1–1
Vida 1–4 3–0 0–1 1–2 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–2 1–2
Updated to match(es) played on 11 November 2018. Source: Soccerway
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.
Notes:
  1. ^ Match awarded to C.D. Marathón with a 3–0 score as a result of Juticalpa F.C. fielding the ineligible player Carlos Palacios. The match originally ended 1–1.
  2. ^ At Estadio General Francisco Morazán.

Playoffs edit

Results edit

Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
1 Motagua 1 3 4
3 UPNFM 1 0 1 4 Platense 0 1 1
6 Platense 1 1 2 1 Motagua 2 0 2
2 Olimpia 0 1 1
2 Olimpia 2 0 2
4 Marathón 0 3 3 3 Real España 2 0 2
5 Real España 2 2 4
14 November 2018 Quarterfinals Platense 1–1 UPNFM Puerto Cortés
19:15 Nieto   84' (pen.)
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Zúniga – 1
Bolaños – 3
Matute – 4
Lobo – 9
  46' Álvarez – 10
Vargas – 12
Flores – 21
Aguilar – 22
  67' Rodas –24
Mendoza – 25
Arriaga – 33
Substitutes
  46' Fajardo – 13
  67' Nieto – 8

Coach
Martínez (HON)
Report   39' (pen.) Benguché
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Valladares (GK)
6 – Reyes
9 – Benguché   86'
14 – Castillo
15 – Urmeneta
16 – Montoya
21 – Peña   61'
23 – Álvarez
26 – Osorio
27 – Pinto   46'
29 – Fernández
Substitutes
8 – Cálix   46'
11 – Meléndez   61'
17 – Gutiérrez   86'
Coach
(HON) Nazar
Stadium: Estadio Excélsior
Attendance: 1,531
Referee: Erick Andino
17 November 2018 Quarterfinals UPNFM 0–1
(1–2 agg.)
Platense Choluteca
19:00
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Valladares – 1
Reyes – 6
Benguché – 9
Castillo – 14
Urmeneta – 15
Montoya – 16
Gutiérrez – 17
  51' Peña – 21
Álvarez – 23
  66' Osorio – 26
  59' Pinto – 27
Substitutes
  51' Meléndez – 11
  59' Cálix – 11
  66' Padilla – 10
Coach
Nazar (HON)
Report   6' Winchester
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Zúniga (GK)
3 – Bolaños
4 – Matute
7 – Winchester   76'
8 – Nieto
12 – Vargas
21 – Flores
22 – Aguilar   89'
24 – Rodas   58'
25 – Mendoza
33 – Arriaga
Substitutes
14 – Reyes   58'
17 – Britto   76'
2 – Castro   89'
Coach
(HON) Martínez
Stadium: Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse
Attendance: 2,387
Referee: Héctor Rodríguez
14 November 2018 Quarterfinals Real España 2–0 Marathón San Pedro Sula
19:00 Benavídez   34' (pen.)
Vuelto   78' (pen.)
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) R. López – 12
Montes – 2
Puerto – 6
Martínez – 10
Vargas – 15
Leverón – 16
  85' Claros – 17
Vuelto – 18
I. López – 19
Delgado – 23
  60' Benavídez – 38
Substitutes
  60' Arita – 20
  85' Quiroz – 45

Coach
García (URU)
Report   Arboleda

 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
25 – Torres (GK)
2 – Bernárdez
3 – Córdova
7 – Discua
8 – Róchez   81'
9 – Ramírez   57'
16 – Banegas
21 – Smith
27 – Arboleda
29 – Johnson
38 – Martínez   57'
Substitutes
Vargas   57'
24 – Lahera   57'
22 – Romero   81'
Coach
(ARG) Vargas
Stadium: Estadio General Francisco Morazán
Attendance: 3,979
Referee: Nelson Salgado
17 November 2018 Quarterfinals Marathón 3–2
(3–4 agg.)
Real España San Pedro Sula
15:00 Arboleda   3'   36'
Discua   65'
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Torres – 25
Bernárdez – 2
  34' Córdova – 3
Discua – 7
  62' Ramírez – 9
  57' Espinoza – 15
Lahera – 24
Arboleda – 27
Johnson – 29
Solano – 30
Martínez – 38
Substitutes
  34' Smith – 21
  57' Róchez – 8
  62' Vargas
Coach
Vargas (ARG)
Report   39' Tejeda
  52' Oseguera
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
12 – R. López (GK)
2 – Montes
6 – Puerto   69'
10 – Martínez   81'
13 – Tejeda
15 – Vargas   67'   85'
17 – Claros
18 – Vuelto   90+5'
19 – I. López
23 – Delgado
28 – Oseguera
Substitutes
4 – Velásquez   69'
45 – Quiroz   81'
49 – Martínez   90+5'
Coach
(URU) García
Stadium: Estadio Yankel Rosenthal
Attendance: 2,989
Referee: Melvin Matamoros

25 November 2018 Semifinals Platense 0–1 Motagua Puerto Cortés
16:00
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Zúniga – 1
Bolaños – 3
Matute – 4
Winchester – 7
  47' Vargas – 12
  60' Reyes – 14
Flores – 21
Aguilar – 22
  56' Rodas – 24
Mendoza – 25
Arriaga – 33
Substitutes
  47' Altamirano – 11
  56' Fajardo – 13
  60' Benítez – 30
Coach
Martínez (HON)
Report   49' López
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
19 – Rougier (GK)
2 – Montes
6 – Mayorquín   85'
8 – Martínez
9 – Castillo   86'
12 – Santos
16 – Castellanos
17 – Maldonado
21 – Moreira
24 – Elvir
34 – López   83'
Substitutes
7 – Andino   83'
4 – Peña   85'
22 – Estupiñán   86'
Coach
(ARG) Vásquez
Stadium: Estadio Excélsior
Attendance: 4,398
Referee: Melvin Matamoros
2 December 2018 Semifinals Motagua 3–1
(4–1 agg.)
Platense Tegucigalpa
16:00 López   30'
Maldonado   48'
Crisanto   84'
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Rougier – 19
Montes – 2
Mayorquín – 6
  75' Castillo – 9
  66' Galvaliz – 10
Santos – 12
  46' Castellanos – 16
Maldonado – 17
Moreira – 21
Elvir – 24
López – 34
Substitutes
  46' Peña – 4
  66' Martínez – 8
  75' Crisanto – 18
Coach
Vásquez (ARG)
Report   76' Castro


 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Zúniga (GK)
3 – Bolaños
4 – Matute
7 – Winchester
8 – Nieto
17 – Britto
21 – Flores   46'
22 – Aguilar
25 – Mendoza
30 – Benítez   57'
33 – Arriaga
Substitutes
2 – Castro   46'
12 – Vargas   57'

Coach
(HON) Martínez
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Attendance: 13,784
Referee: Saíd Martínez
24 November 2018 Semifinals Real España 2–2 Olimpia San Pedro Sula
19:00 Tejeda   11'
Vuelto   55'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) R. López – 12
Montes – 2
Puerto – 6
Mejía – 8
  82' Martínez – 10
Tejeda – 13
Leverón – 16
  77' Vuelto – 18
I. López – 19
Oseguera – 28
Benavídez – 38
Substitutes
  77' Delgado – 23
  82' Guevara – 37

Coach
García (URU)
Report   50' Velásquez
  59' Álvarez
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Menjívar (GK)
2 – Álvarez
5 – Alvarado
7 – C. Mejía   82'
9 – D. Reyes   87'
17 – Paz
20 – Flores
21 – Espíndola
23 – Velásquez   76'
27 – Bengtson
31 – Thomas
Substitutes
24 – J. Reyes   76'
14 – Lacayo   82'
29 – G. Mejía   87'
Coach
(URU) Keosseián
Stadium: Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano
Attendance: 10,541
Referee: Héctor Rodríguez
1 December 2018 Semifinals Olimpia 0–0
(2–2 agg.)
Real España Tegucigalpa
19:00
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Menjívar – 1
Álvarez – 2
Alvarado – 5
C. Mejía – 7
  74' D. Reyes – 9
Paz – 17
Flores – 20
Espíndola – 21
  74' Velásquez – 23
  90' Bengtson – 27
Thomas – 31
Substitutes
  74' Lacayo – 14
  74' J. Reyes – 24
  90' G. Mejía – 29
Coach
Keosseián (URU)
Report
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
12 – R. López (GK)
2 – Montes
6 – Puerto
10 – Martínez
13 – Tejeda
15 – Vargas
18 – Vuelto
19 – I. López
23 – Delgado   66'
28 – Oseguera
38 – Benavídez   84'
Substitutes
17 – Claros   66'
8 – Mejía   84'

Coach
(URU) García
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Attendance: 22,383
Referee: Armando Castro

9 December 2018 Final Olimpia 0–2 Motagua Tegucigalpa
16:00

 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Menjívar – 1
Álvarez – 2
Alvarado – 5
Castillo – 6
  57' Martínez – 12
  31'   32' Paz – 17
Flores – 20
Espíndola – 21
Reyes – 24
  84' Bengtson – 27
  75' Thomas – 31
Substitutes
  57' C. Mejía – 7
  75' G. Mejía – 29
  84' Costly – 13
Coach
Keosseián (URU)
Report   64' Castillo
  71' Moreira
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
19 – Rougier (GK)
2 – Montes
6 – Mayorquín   62'
9 – Castillo
10 – Galvaliz   77'
12 – Santos
16 – Castellanos   83'
17 – Maldonado
21 – Moreira
24 – Elvir
34 – López
Substitutes
8 – Martínez   62'
4 – Peña   77'
5 – Pereira   83'
Coach
(ARG) Vásquez
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Attendance: 23,350
Referee: Héctor Rodríguez
16 December 2018 Final Motagua 0–1
(2–1 agg.)
Olimpia Tegucigalpa
16:00
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Rougier – 19
Montes – 2
  74' Mayorquín – 6
Castillo – 9
  64' Galvaliz – 10
Santos – 12
Castellanos – 16
Maldonado – 17
Moreira – 21
Elvir – 24
  87' López – 34
Substitutes
  64' Martínez – 8
  74' Peña – 4
  87' Andino – 7
Coach
Vásquez (ARG)
Report   78' (o.g.) Montes
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Menjívar (GK)
2 – Álvarez
3 – Güity
5 – Alvarado   61'
7 – C. Mejía   46'
13 – Costly
17 – Paz
20 – Flores
21 – Espíndola
27 – Bengtson
29 – G. Mejía   72'
Substitutes
26 – Salas   46'
14 – Lacayo   61'
9 – Reyes   72'
Coach
(URU) Keosseián
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Attendance: 22,701
Referee: Melvin Matamoros

Clausura edit

The Clausura tournament was the second half of the 2018–19 season which ran from January to June 2019. The schedule was released on 20 December 2018.[8] Club Deportivo Olimpia finished on top of the standings for the first time since 2017. Lobos UPNFM made history in the play-offs stage after beating Real C.D. España and qualifying to their first ever semifinal.[9] Just as it happened in the Apertura tournament, F.C. Motagua defeated their city rivals in the final series and conquered their 17th national title.

Regular season edit

Standings edit

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Olimpia 18 11 4 3 31 13 +18 37 Advance to Playoffs
(Semifinals)
2 Marathón 18 10 4 4 32 24 +8 34
3 Motagua 18 9 4 5 29 15 +14 31 Advance to Playoffs
(Quarterfinals)
4 Real España 18 7 7 4 19 15 +4 28
5 UPNFM 18 6 9 3 22 16 +6 27
6 Platense 18 7 4 7 25 20 +5 25
7 Real de Minas 18 4 8 6 21 22 −1 20
8 Juticalpa 18 2 10 6 20 33 −13 16
9 Vida 18 2 7 9 14 29 −15 13
10 Honduras Progreso 18 2 3 13 11 37 −26 9
Source: Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

Results edit

Home \ Away HNP JUT MAR MOT OLI PLA RDM RES UPN VID
Honduras Progreso 1–1 0–1 0–1 1–2 1–4 0–0 1–2 1–0 2–0
Juticalpa 2–2 1–1 2–3 0–4 2–0 3–3 1–2 0–0 1–1
Marathón 6–0 1–2 1–0 1–0 2–1 2–1 2–2 3–1 4–3
Motagua 4–0 4–0 5–1 1–1 0–1 0–2 1–0 3–0 1–1
Olimpia 2–1 4–0 3–0 0–0 2–1 1–1 0–0 1–2 4–0
Platense 2–0 1–1 2–3 2–1 1–2 3–1 4–0 0–1 1–1
Real de Minas 3–0 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–3 0–0 1–1 0–0 3–0
Real España 2–0 0–0 1–1 3–1 0–1 0–1 2–0 1–1 1–0
UPNFM 3–0 4–2 0–0 1–1 3–0 2–0 2–2 0–0 1–1
Vida 2–1 1–1 2–1 0–1 0–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1
Updated to match(es) played on 27 April 2019. Source: Soccerway
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.

Playoffs edit

Results edit

Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
1 Olimpia 3 4 7
4 Real España 1 1 2 5 UPNFM 1 1 2
5 UPNFM 3 2 5 1 Olimpia 2 0 2
3 Motagua 2 1 3
2 Marathón 0 2 2
3 Motagua 0 3 3 3 Motagua 2 2 4
6 Platense 0 0 0
1 May 2019 Quarterfinals Platense 0–0 Motagua Puerto Cortés
16:00
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Zúniga – 1
Bolaños – 3
Matute – 4
Martínez – 5
Winchester – 7
  25' Nieto – 8
  73' Reyes – 11
Vargas – 12
Flores – 21
  68' Aguilar – 22
Arriaga – 33
Substitutes
  25' Mendoza – 25
  68' Mencía – 23
  73' Fajardo – 13
Coach
Caballero (HON)
Report
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
19 – Rougier (GK)
2 – Montes
4 – Peña
5 – Pereira
10 – Galvaliz   85'
11 – Vega   90+3'
16 – Castellanos
17 – Maldonado
21 – Moreira
24 – Elvir
34 – López   65'
Substitutes
18 – Crisanto   65'
31 – Sánchez   85'
6 – Mayorquín   90+3'
Coach
(ARG) Vásquez
Stadium: Estadio Excélsior
Referee: Erick Andino
5 May 2019 Quarterfinals Motagua 3–0
(3–0 agg.)
Platense Tegucigalpa
16:00 Moreira   26' (pen.)   44'   50'
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Rougier – 19
Montes – 2
Peña – 4
Pereira – 5
  74' Galvaliz – 10
  82' Castellanos – 16
Maldonado – 17
Moreira – 21
  46' Estigarribia – 22
Elvir – 24
López – 34
Substitutes
  46' Vega – 11
  74' Crisanto – 18
  82' Martínez – 8
Coach
Vásquez (ARG)
Report
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Zúniga (GK)
3 – Bolaños   75'
4 – Matute
5 – Martínez
7 – Winchester
9 – Pineda   46'
12 – Vargas
21 – Flores
22 – Aguilar   46'
25 – Mendoza
33 – Arriaga
Substitutes
11 – Reyes   46'
23 – Mencía   46'

Coach
(HON) Caballero
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Raúl Castro
1 May 2019 Quarterfinals UPNFM 3–1 Real España Choluteca
15:00 Róchez   38'
Meléndez   40'
Güity   60'
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Valladares – 1
Reyes – 6
  71' Róchez – 9
  29' Castillo – 14
Urmeneta – 15
Montoya – 16
Sauceda – 20
  57' Peña – 21
Osorio – 26
Fernández – 29
Vásquez – 50
Substitutes
  29' Meléndez – 11
  57' Güity – 77
  71' Padilla – 10
Coach
Nazar (HON)
Report   23' Puerto


 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
22 – L. López (GK)
2 – Montes
5 – Flores   46'
6 – Puerto   64'
8 – Mejía
10 – M. Martínez   64'
11 – R. Martínez
15 – Vargas
18 – Vuelto
20 – Tobías
23 – Delgado
Substitutes
38 – Benavídez   46'
13 – Tejeda   64'
19 – I. López   64'
Coach
(COL) Restrepo
Stadium: Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse
Referee: Nelson Salgado
5 May 2019 Quarterfinals Real España 1–2
(2–5 agg.)
UPNFM San Pedro Sula
18:00 López   41'

 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) L. López – 22
Montes – 2
  52' M. Martínez – 10
R. Martínez – 11
García – 14
Vargas – 15
  64' Claros – 17
Vuelto – 18
I. López – 19
Tobías – 20
Benavídez – 38
Substitutes
  52' Puerto – 6
  64' Tejeda – 13
Coach
Restrepo (COL)
Report   35' Peña
  76' (pen.) Meléndez
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Valladares (GK)
6 – Reyes
9 – Róchez   62'
14 – Castillo
15 – Urmeneta
16 – Montoya
20 – Sauceda
21 – Peña   53'
26 – Osorio
29 – Fernández
50 – Vásquez
Substitutes
77 – Güity   53'
11 – Meléndez   62'
Coach
(HON) Nazar
Stadium: Estadio General Francisco Morazán
Referee: Óscar Moncada

11 May 2019 Semifinals UPNFM 1–3 Olimpia Choluteca
15:00 Meléndez   63'
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Valladares – 1
Reyes – 6
Róchez – 9
  34' Castillo – 14
  60' Urmeneta – 15
Montoya – 16
Sauceda – 20
  45' Peña – 21
Osorio – 26
Fernández – 29
Vásquez – 50
Substitutes
  34' Meléndez – 11
  45' Güity – 77
  60' Moncada – 24
Coach
Nazar (HON)
Report   11'   57'   72' Benguché
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Menjívar (GK)
3 – Güity
5 – Alvarado
9 – Benguché   84'
10 – Sosa   64'
17 – Paz
20 – Flores
23 – Álvarez
24 – Reyes   75'
26 – Núñez
27 – Bengtson
Substitutes
29 – Mejía   64'
12 – Chavasco   75'
14 – Lacayo   84'
Coach
(URU) Keosseián
Stadium: Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse
Referee: Melissa Borjas
19 May 2019 Semifinals Olimpia 4–1
(7–2 agg.)
UPNFM Tegucigalpa
16:00 Flores   9'
Benguché   37'   70'
Alvarado   67'
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Menjívar – 1
Güity – 3
Alvarado – 5
  76' Benguché – 9
  85' Sosa – 10
Paz – 17
Flores – 20
Álvarez – 23
  55' Reyes – 24
Núñez – 26
Bengtson – 27
Substitutes
  55' Chavasco – 12
  76' Lacayo – 14
  85' Mejía – 7
Coach
Keosseián (URU)
Report   62' Urmeneta


 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Mendoza (GK)
4 – Medina
7 – Fiallos
8 – Cálix
9 – Róchez
10 – Padilla   70'
13 – Yáñez
15 – Urmeneta
21 – Peña   46'
22 – Osorio
24 – Moncada   46'
Substitutes
77 – Güity   46'
16 – Montoya   46'
11 – Meléndez   70'
Coach
(HON) Nazar
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Armando Castro
12 May 2019 Semifinals Motagua 2–0 Marathón Tegucigalpa
16:00 Galvaliz   9'
López   64'
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Rougier – 19
Montes – 2
Peña – 4
  84' Galvaliz – 10
  46' Castellanos – 16
Maldonado – 17
Moreira – 21
  82' Estigarribia – 22
Elvir – 24
  80' López – 34
Meléndez – 35
Substitutes
  80' Crisanto – 18
  82' Martínez – 8
  84' Mayorquín – 6
Coach
Vásquez (ARG)
Report

 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
25 – Torres (GK)
2 – Bernárdez
3 – Córdova
4 – Fernandes   46'
7 – Discua   60'
15 – Espinoza
16 – Banegas   63'
23 – Flores   39'
27 – Arboleda
29 – Johnson
30 – Solano
Substitutes
8 – Róchez   39'
13 – Costly   60'
38 – Martínez   63'
Coach
(ARG) Vargas
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Saíd Martínez
18 May 2019 Semifinals Marathón 2–2
(2–4 agg.)
Motagua San Pedro Sula
15:00 Arboleda   36'   41'

 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Torres – 25
Bernárdez – 2
Córdova – 3
  80' Discua – 7
Costly – 13
  68' Espinoza – 15
Banegas – 16
  62' Lahera – 24
Arboleda – 27
Johnson – 29
Solano – 30
Substitutes
  62' Róchez – 8
  68' Ramírez – 9
  80' Romero – 22
Coach
Vargas (ARG)
Report   47' Estigarribia
  73' Montes
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
19 – Rougier (GK)
2 – Montes
4 – Peña
5 – Pereira
6 – Mayorquín   46'
10 – Galvaliz   66'
17 – Maldonado   52'   76'
21 – Moreira   53'
22 – Estigarribia
24 – Elvir
34 – López
Substitutes
8 – Martínez   46'
11 – Vega   53'
35 – Meléndez   66'
Coach
(ARG) Vásquez
Stadium: Estadio Yankel Rosenthal
Referee: Óscar Moncada

26 May 2019 Final Motagua 2–2 Olimpia Tegucigalpa
16:00 Pereira   18'   22'


 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Rougier – 19
Montes – 2
  86' Peña – 4
Pereira – 5
  65' Galvaliz – 10
Castellanos – 16
Moreira – 21
  71' Estigarribia – 22
Elvir – 24
López – 34
Meléndez – 35
Substitutes
  65' Martínez – 8
  71' Vega – 11
  86' Mayorquín – 6
Coach
Vásquez (ARG)
Report   2' Alvarado
  Bengtson
  90' (o.g.) Pereira
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Menjívar (GK)
3 – Güity
5 – Alvarado
9 – Benguché
10 – Sosa
17 – Paz
20 – Flores   53'
23 – Álvarez
24 – Reyes   46'
26 – Núñez
27 – Bengtson
Substitutes
12 – Chavasco   46'
29 – Mejía   53'

Coach
(URU) Keosseián
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Melissa Borjas
2 June 2019 Final Olimpia 0–1
(2–3 agg.)
Motagua Tegucigalpa
16:00
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Menjívar – 1
Güity – 3
Alvarado – 5
  68' Benguché – 9
  57' Sosa – 10
Paz – 17
  11' Rodríguez – 18
Flores – 20
Álvarez – 23
Núñez – 26
Bengtson – 27
Substitutes
  11' Chavasco – 12
  57' Lacayo – 14
  68' Reyes – 24
Coach
Keosseián (URU)
Report   18' Moreira
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
19 – Rougier (GK)
4 – Peña   46'
5 – Pereira
10 – Galvaliz   76'
16 – Castellanos
17 – Maldonado
21 – Moreira   65'
22 – Estigarribia
24 – Elvir
34 – López
35 – Meléndez
Substitutes
6 – Mayorquín   46'
11 – Vega   65'
18 – Crisanto   76'
Coach
(ARG) Vásquez
Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Armando Castro

Top goalscorers edit

The top scorer was determined by the addition of goals of both Apertura and Clausura tournaments in all their phases.

As of 2 June 2019
  • 24 goals:
  • 21 goals:
  • 20 goals:
  • 16 goals:
  • 15 goals:
  • 10 goals:
  • 9 goals:
  • 8 goals:
  • 7 goals:
  • 6 goals:
  • 5 goals:
  • 4 goals:
  • 3 goals:
  • 2 goals:
  • 1 goal:
  Clinton Arzú (Honduras Progreso)
  Maylor Núñez (Juticalpa)
  Maximiliano Callorda (Real España)
  Carlos Mejía (Vida)
  Christian Martínez (UPNFM)
  Dábirson Castillo (Olimpia)
  Gétsel Montes (Real España)
  Jorge Claros (Real España)
  Lázaro Yánez (UPNFM)
  Román Valencia (Honduras Progreso)
  Franklyn Morales (Honduras Progreso)
  Marco Vega (Motagua)
  Brayan Acosta (Real de Minas)
  Álex Corrales (Real de Minas)
  Carlos Róchez (Marathón)
  Frédixon Elvir (Real de Minas)
  Jerry Palacios (Real de Minas)
  Luís Palma (Vida)
  Marvin Bernárdez (Vida)
  Richard Martínez (Real de Minas)
  Julián Galo (Real de Minas)
  Denis Meléndez (Vida)
  Elder Torres (Vida)
  Sergio Peña (Motagua)
  Walter Martínez (Motagua)
  Javier Portillo (Vida)
  César Oseguera (Real España)
  Denil Maldonado (Motagua)
  Luís Castro (Platense)
  Bayron Méndez (Juticalpa)
  Aldo Fajardo (Platense)
  Josué Villafranca (Motagua)
  Brayan Martínez (Marathón)
  Dylan Andrade (Honduras Progreso)
  Jorge Cardona (Honduras Progreso)
  Henry Ayala (Juticalpa)
  Luís Guzmán (Real de Minas)
  Ian Osorio (UPNFM)
  Bryan Bernárdez (Marathón)
  Emiliano Bonfigli (Olimpia)
  Esdras Padilla (Vida)
  Milton Castro (Honduras Progreso)
  Allans Vargas (Real España)
  German Mejía (Olimpia)
  Edgar Vásquez (UPNFM)
  Leandro Sosa (Olimpia)
  Alfredo Mejía (Real España)
  Kevin Maradiaga (Real de Minas)
  Jeffri Flores (Platense)
  Francisco Techera (Juticalpa)
  Marvin Barrios (Juticalpa)
  Óscar García (Real de Minas)
  Caue Fernandes (Marathón)
  Jeffry Miranda (Marathón)
  Devron García (Vida)
  Denis Lagos (UPNFM)
  Jairo Róchez (UPNFM)
  Erlin Gutiérrez (Honduras Progreso)
  José García (Real de Minas)
  Óliver Morazán (Juticalpa)
  Deybi Flores (Olimpia)
  • 1 own-goal:

Aggregate table edit

Relegation was determined by the aggregated table of both Apertura and Clausura tournaments. After 36 rounds, C.D. Real de Minas, Juticalpa F.C. and C.D. Honduras Progreso finished with 31 points each, with the goal difference being irrelevant. All three teams had to play a one round-robin playoff to determine the team to be relegated. It was only the second time in league's history that three teams were involved in a relegation triangular, the first one being held back in 1989.[10]

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Olimpia (Q) 36 19 12 5 56 30 +26 69 CONCACAF League round of 16[a]
2 Motagua (Q) 36 20 8 8 57 26 +31 68 CONCACAF League round of 16[b]
3 Marathón (Q) 36 17 11 8 60 46 +14 62 CONCACAF League preliminary round[c]
4 UPNFM 36 15 12 9 47 36 +11 57
5 Real España 36 14 12 10 50 40 +10 54
6 Platense 36 13 10 13 46 38 +8 49
7 Vida 36 6 14 16 35 53 −18 32
8 Real de Minas 36 7 10 19 36 60 −24 31 Qualification to Relegation playoffs[d]
9 Juticalpa 36 5 16 15 39 67 −28 31
10 Honduras Progreso 36 8 7 21 38 68 −30 31
Source: Soccerway Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
Notes:
  1. ^ As Apertura and Clausura runners-up (HON2)
  2. ^ As Apertura and Clausura champions (HON1)
  3. ^ As semi-finalists with best aggregate record (HON3)
  4. ^ To decide the team relegated, tiebreakers are not applied to teams tied on points, so the three bottom teams enter the relegation playoffs.

Relegation playoffs edit

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Relegation
1 Honduras Progreso 2 2 0 0 5 3 +2 6
2 Real de Minas 2 1 0 1 6 5 +1 3
3 Juticalpa 2 0 0 2 3 6 −3 0 Relegated to 2019–20 Liga de Ascenso
Updated to match(es) played on 12 May 2019. Source: Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
5 May 2019 Game 1 Juticalpa 1–2 Honduras Progreso Juticalpa
15:00 Salas   57'
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Pineda – 19
Barrios – 3
Palacios – 6
  71' Ocampo – 7
Morazán – 8
Lanza – 10
  51' Méndez – 13
Techera – 15
Lobo – 23
Salas – 26
Barahona – 44
Substitutes
  51' Estupiñán – 9
  71' Cruz – 24

Coach
Cruz (HON)
Report   49'   90' López
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
12 – Castro (GK)
3 – Hernández
6 – Delgado
7 – López
9 – Y. Gutiérrez   57'
10 – Morales   79'
16 – Caminos   70'
19 – Smith
24 – Y. L. Gutiérrez
29 – Almendárez
30 – Peña
Substitutes
14 – Arzú   57'
27 – Cardona   70'
4 – González   79'
Coach
(HON) Alvarado
Stadium: Estadio Juan Ramón Brevé Vargas
Referee: Héctor Rodríguez
9 May 2019 Game 2 Honduras Progreso 3–2 Real de Minas El Progreso
15:00 Gutiérrez   13'
López   32'
Delgado   63'
 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
(GK) Castro –12
Hernández – 3
Delgado – 6
López – 7
  71' Morales – 10
  82' Caminos – 16
Smith – 19
Y. L. Gutiérrez – 24
  55' E. Gutiérrez – 25
Almendárez – 29
Peña – 30
Substitutes
  55' Y. Gutiérrez – 9
  71' Arzú – 14
  82' Cardona – 27
Coach
Alvarado (HON)
Report   30' Moncada
  69' García

 
 
 
 
 

Starting XI
1 – Archibald (GK)
5 – Rodríguez   61'
8 – Oviedo   46'
10 – Moncada
12 – Vallejo
13 – J. García
18 – Guzmán
20 – Pineda   78'
26 – Corrales
27 – Ó García
29 – Mejía
Substitutes
33 – Flores   46'
? – Andino   61'
28 – Martínez   78'
Coach
(HON) Cáceres
Stadium: Estadio Humberto Micheletti
Referee: Saíd Martínez
12 May 2019 Game 3 Real de Minas 4–2 Juticalpa Danlí
15:45 Mejía   4'   21'
Muñoz   70'
Andino   90+4'
 
 
 
 
 

(GK) Archibald – 1
Muñoz – 3
Moncada – 10
J. García – 13
Guzmán – 18
Pineda – 20
Corrales – 26
  57' Ó. García – 27
  74' Mejía – 29
  79' Flores – 33
Medina – 35
Substitutes
  57' Andino – ?
  74' Oviedo – 8
  79' Rodríguez – 5
Coach
Cáceres (HON)
Report   18' Morazán
  44' Estupiñán

 
 
 
 
 

1 – West (GK)
3 – Barrios   68'
4 – Colón
8 – Morazán
9 – Estupiñán
10 – Lanza
15 – Techera
20 – Espinal   46'
23 – Lobo   53'
26 – Salas
44 – Barahona
Substitutes
7 – Ocampo   46'
53 – Ulloa   53'
17 – Ramírez   68'
Coach
(HON) Cruz
Stadium: Estadio Marcelo Tinoco
Referee: Nelson Salgado

Controversies edit

  • Right off the start of the season, week 1 was involved with controversy. Platense F.C. accused F.C. Motagua for instructing the ball boys of hiding and holding the sideline balls in the last minutes of play, making it difficult to resume the game when the match ball went out of play. Motagua was later fined for this action.[11] That same day, in San Pedro Sula, C.D. Marathón requested C.D.S. Vida players to pay tribute to the club with El Pasillo, (the act of acknowledging the winners of the previous season), a tradition which is very popular in Spain, but not in Honduras. The Vida footballers strongly rejected the request.[12] One week later, Vida simulated the Pasillo action after scoring a goal against Juticalpa F.C., a clear sign of mockery.
  • After a 1–1 draw between C.D. Marathón and Club Deportivo Olimpia in the Clásico Nacional on week 3, a very irritated Marathón's coach Héctor Vargas, criticized the referee's performance and insinuated Olimpia's intervention at halftime by calling the referees to fix the match.[13] Vargas also stated that his team with few resources is fighting on all fronts, and others with greater investments made a fool of themselves at international competitions; a clear dart to Real C.D. España who were eliminated from the 2018 CONCACAF League a few days earlier. Olimpia's manager, Nahúm Espinoza decided not to comment. However, Real España's Martín García expressed that Vargas is a very harmful person and his comments only reflect cowardice.[14] Vargas replied back and called García a fat man.[15] Vargas later announced that he will keep silent for 90 days; however, the Northern Discipline Commission cited Vargas to testify for violating discriminatory codes.[16] He was suspended for three games.[17]
  • On week 5, Real C.D. España faced C.D. Marathón in the Clásico Sampedrano. In the pre-match, the game was already heated. Real España as hosts, announced that only people dressed with the home team colors would be allowed to access the stadium. The game elapsed with normalcy until Real España missed a penalty kick, which provoked the fury of the local crowd. A few fans invaded the pitch but were easily controlled by the police. A few minutes before the end, Marathón's keeper Dénovan Torres hit one of the sideline ball boys. This action triggered an energetic response from the Real España's subs which were warming up nearby. Torres and the entire Marathón's technical staff were expelled from the game. Some Marathón fans, including women, were beaten in the stands by their counterparts. Marathón requested the league the closure of the venue and Real España sued Torres for his actions. These and many other sanctions were imposed by the league.[18]
  • On 28 August 2018, the Central Discipline Regional Commission ruled in favor of C.D. Marathón awarding them a 3–0 victory over Juticalpa F.C. as a result of Juticalpa fielding defender Carlos Palacios on week 4. Palacios was ineligible to play due to his misconduct on the previous game against C.D. Honduras Progreso. Consequently, Marathón submitted the complaint and was granted the win. The original score ended in a 1–1 tie; therefore Marathón was awarded two points and Juticalpa was deducted one.[19]
  • Real C.D. España's player Ángel Tejeda was suspended for six games after spitting a fan during the Clásico Sampedrano against C.D. Marathón on week 14.[20] Former Real España's president Mateo Yibrín annotated on his Twitter account that the Discipline Commission are "social misfits".
  • Through Jorge Pineda (assistant for Héctor Vargas), C.D. Marathón announced their intention to protest the match against F.C. Motagua on week 7. This game, which ended 1–1 was postponed for several weeks. Marathón is alleging that Motagua's players Omar Elvir and Wilmer Crisanto were lined up in the reserves encounter a month prior.[21] Marathón had already protested the game against Juticalpa F.C. on week 4 with success.
  • The Apertura's final series between F.C. Motagua and Club Deportivo Olimpia were involved in controversies from start to finish. Before the first leg, the board of directors of Motagua expressed their discomfort for the designation of referee Héctor Rodríguez for the first leg, claiming they have felt harmed in previous games due to his controversial decisions against the club.[22] Rodríguez did finally refereed the game which was ironically criticized by Olimpia. Olimpia's coach Manuel Keosseián said in an interview he was not "a weepy", but contradictory, he called for a press conference the following day where he expressed his reasons why they lost in the first game, mostly blaming the referees.[23] Olimpia's defender Jonathan Paz was ejected from the first leg due to two successive yellow cards. The Discipline Commission, presided by Allan Pineda, a well known Olimpia supporter, called for a meeting and determined that Paz was severally penalized by the refs and nullified one of the bookings, enabling the defender to take part in the return leg.[24] The second match evolved with normality until the final whistle, as Motagua were celebrating their victory, Olimpia's coach Keosseián stroked a punch to one of Motagua's fan entertainer.[25]
  • On 14 March 2019, a very peculiar incident happened in the Clásico Nacional between Club Deportivo Olimpia and C.D. Marathón, as both teams goalkeepers were ejected from the match due to violent conduct. Both managers had already burnt all their substitutions; therefore, in the last few minutes of the game two outfield players had to cover the goalies.
  • In the early morning of 7 April 2019, C.D. Marathón's goalkeeper Dénovan Torres was arrested due to domestic violence.

References edit

  1. ^ "Soccer: Former El Salvador coach Maradiaga banned over match-fixing case". Reuters.com. Reuters. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  2. ^ "Javier Padilla nuevo entrenador de Real de Minas". LaTribuna.hn. La Tribuna. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  3. ^ "Anthony Torres es el nuevo entrenador de Platense". Goal.com. Goal. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  4. ^ "¡ATENCIÓN! Definida la primera jornada del torneo Apertura de la LINA". Tiempo.hn. El Tiempo. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  5. ^ "Sufriendo Olimpia avanza a la gran final". LaTribuna.hn. La Tribuna. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  6. ^ "Motagua completó con un nuevo triunfo ante Platense y llegó a la final". Goal.com. Goal. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  7. ^ "Motagua resistió en la final y se consagró en el Apertura". Goal.com. Goal. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  8. ^ "Así se jugará la primera jornada del torneo de Clausura 2019 en la Liga Nacional de fútbol de Honduras". ElHeraldo.hn. El Heraldo. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
  9. ^ "La UPN remató al Real España y logró clasificación histórica a semifinales". LaPrensa.hn. La Prensa. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  10. ^ "OFICIAL: Una triangular definirá al descendido en la Liga Nacional de Honduras". Diez.hn. Diario Diez. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  11. ^ "Multan a Motagua por esconder balones en el juego contra Platense en el Nacional". Diez.hn. Diario Diez. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  12. ^ "Encendida polémica entre Vida y Marathon por culpa de un "pasillo"". OnceNoticias.hn. Once Noticias. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  13. ^ "Héctor Vargas dispara: 'Dejen de llamar a los árbitros para modificar partidos'". LaPrensa.hn. La Prensa. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  14. ^ "¿'Mala leche' es el técnico de Marathón?". DiarioMas.hn. Diario Mas. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  15. ^ "Héctor Vargas se refiere al "Tato" García como el "Gordito" de enfrente". OnceNoticias.hn. Once Noticias. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  16. ^ "Comisión Regional de Disciplina del Norte, procede contra Héctor Vargas por bocón". ElHeraldo.hn. El Heraldo. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  17. ^ "Héctor Vargas recibe su merecido por la CRDN". DiarioMas.hn. Diario Mas. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  18. ^ "Los nueve castigos de la Comisión de Disciplina a Marathón y Real España". Diez.hn. Diario Diez. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  19. ^ "En la "mesa" Marathón gana su segundo partido". DiarioMas.hn. Diario Mas. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  20. ^ "Suspenden por seis partidos a Ángel Tejeda por escupir a un aficionado". Proceso.hn. Proceso Digital. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
  21. ^ "Confirmado: Marathón peleará en la mesa los puntos ante Motagua". Diez.hn. Diario Diez. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  22. ^ "Motagua rechaza la designación de Héctor Rodríguez para la final de ida". OnceNoticias.hn. Once Noticias. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
  23. ^ "Manuel Keosseian: "Expulsión de Paz se fabricó en una reunión fantasma"". LaTribuna.hn. La Tribuna. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
  24. ^ "Comisión de Disciplina habilita a Jonathan Paz para que juegue la final contra Motagua". Diez.hn. Diario Diez. Retrieved 12 December 2018.
  25. ^ "Keosseián descarga su frustración golpeando animador". LaTribuna.hn. La Tribuna. Retrieved 17 December 2018.

External links edit