2017–18 F.C. Motagua season

Coach Diego Vásquez lead the team for his 8th consecutive tournament. Due to the incidents occurred on last season's final match where four people lost their lives, the Discipline Commission decided to ban the Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino for nine games. This implied the entire home schedule for the Apertura regular season.[1] The penalty was later reduced to five games after an appeal.[2] On 1 June, Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho announced in a video through his social media that he would be visiting Honduras in July to play an exhibition match between the contenders of the Honduran Superclásico.[3] It was announced later however, that the match was changed to be played against Real C.D. España instead.[4] Decision taken to avoid a conflict between the two Barra bravas which are known for their fierce and often dangerous rivalry. On 30 July, Ronaldinho played in front of thousands at Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino wearing both teams' jerseys on each half.[5] He generated the two assists that gave a historic 0–2 win to Real España.[6] The game served also as a farewell to Amado Guevara, a club's longtime prominent figure.[7] On 2 August, Motagua defeated C.D. Marathón 2–1 at Estadio Francisco Morazán to obtain the 2017 Honduran Supercup. On 31 December, Uruguayan newspaper Ovación selected the best clubs, the best players and the best coaches in the American leagues for 2017. For Honduras, Motagua, Román Castillo and Diego Vásquez were all chosen[8]

Motagua started the Apertura tournament playing outside Tegucigalpa due to the suspension of their stadium because of the incidents occurred last season. On 9 September, Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse, a newly opened venue in Choluteca, hosted a league match for the first time in the 1–1 against Olimpia, in another edition of the Superclásico.[9] On 23 November, the club finished in second position and advanced directly to the semifinals. Once in the semifinals, the club faced city neighbors Olimpia, being the 11th time in league history that these two meet at this stage. With a 3–3 aggregate score, Motagua advanced thanks to their better regular season record over Olimpia. The final series were played against Real España and the club failed in obtaining their third straight league title.

In the Clausura tournament, Motagua started with an away victory against Lobos UPNFM at Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse. Just like in the Apertura, Motagua had to play their first couple of games outside their ground; this time because of the events taking place at Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino for the new presidential term. On 28 March, the Argentinian midfielder Santiago Vergara died from leukemia at the age of 26.[10] After completing the 18 regular season rounds, the team finished 2nd and qualified directly to the semifinals for their 8th consecutive time and their 26th overall. In the semifinals, the team faced city neighbors Olimpia for another Honduran Superclásico meeting. Motagua, once again, managed to eliminate their bitter rivals[11] and advanced to their 4th consecutive final for the first time in their league history. On 19 May, after a 1–1 aggregate score against C.D. Marathón, the championship had to be decided in penalty shoot-outs. Marcelo Pereira and Reinieri Mayorquín missed their chances and the club lost the title.[12] With two finals reached in the 2017–18 season, Motagua qualified to the 2018 CONCACAF League.

The 2017–18 home, away and third kits were published on 22 July.[13]

Manufacturer		Main sponsor
Joma		Pepsi
Home	Away	Alternative	Goalkeeper

All times are local CST unless stated otherwise

Preseason and friendlies

Motagua v Vida

13 July 2017 Friendly	Motagua	2–0	Vida	Tela, Atlántida
	Vega Hernández	Report		Stadium: Tío Dolmo Field
Note: F.C. Motagua played their first preseason game.

New Orleans Stars v Motagua

16 July 2017 Friendly	New Orleans Stars	0–0 (2–1 p)	Motagua	New Orleans, United States
20:00				Stadium: Behrman Stadium Attendance: ~5,000
Note: The team New Orleans Stars is mainly composed of Honduran footballers who migrated to New Orleans.

Alajuelense v Motagua

21 July 2017 Friendly	Alajuelense	3–0	Motagua	Heredia, Costa Rica
19:15	Barrantes  1' Cordero  30' (pen.) Guevara  89'	permanent dead link] Report		Stadium: Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero Referee: Juan Calderón (CRC) Starting XI 21 – Rougier 10 – Andino 14 – Hernández 37 – Montes 43 – Santos 50 – Mayorquín 52 – Vega 53 – Castellanos 54 – Maldonado 55 – Bernárdez 61 – López
Note: This was the first F.C. Motagua's visit to Costa Rica and to Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in particular since 29 September 2011 for the 2011–12 CONCACAF Champions League.

Saprissa v Motagua

23 July 2017 Friendly	Saprissa	2–2	Motagua	San José, Costa Rica
11:00	Angulo  24' Bengtson  83'	Report	44' Andino  47' Bernárdez	Stadium: Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Referee: Jeffrey Solís (CRC) Starting XI 27 – Licona 10 – Andino 37 – Montes 48 – Crisanto 50 – Mayorquín 51 – H. Bernárdez 52 – Vega 53 – Castellanos 55 – K. Bernárdez 58 – Meléndez 61 – López
Note: F.C. Motagua returned the visit to Deportivo Saprissa after they played in 2015 for the Copa Ciclón.

Santos de Guápiles v Motagua

25 July 2017 Friendly	Santos de Guápiles	0–0	Motagua	Guápiles, Costa Rica
20:00		Report		Stadium: Estadio Ebal Rodríguez Referee: Franklin Angulo (CRC) Starting XI 21 – Rougier 10 – Erick Andino 14 – Hernández 37 – Montes 46 – Flores 48 – Crisanto 50 – Mayorquín 51 – H. Bernárdez 54 – Maldonado 55 – K. Bernárdez 61 – López
Note: This game marked the end of F.C. Motagua's trip to Costa Rica which ended with a 0–2–1 record. It was the first ever encounter against Santos de Guápiles F.C.. The Estadio Ebal Rodríguez inaugurated its artificial lights this night.

León Libertador v Motagua

28 July 2017 Friendly	León Libertador	1–9	Motagua	Choluteca, Choluteca
19:00	undisclosed	Report	Castillo Andino Hernández Vega López  ?' (o.g.) undisclosed	Stadium: Cancha La Libertad
Note: This game served as the first match played over the newly installed artificial grass.

Motagua v Real España

30 July 2017 Friendly	Motagua	0–2	Real España	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00		Report	55' Cardozo  74' Tejeda	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Referee: Óscar Moncada Starting XI 19 – Rougier  46' 2 – Montes  79' 5 – Pereira 7 – Discua  66' 10 – Ronaldinho  44' 11 – Vega  60' 16 – Castellanos  79' 20 – Guevara  40' 21 – Andino  60' 27 – F. Crisanto 31 – Bernárdez Substitutes 6 – Mayorquín  40' 34 – López  44' 25 – Licona  46' 8 – Martínez  60' 14 – Hernández  60' 18 – W. Crisanto  66' 23 – Flores  79' 17 – Maldonado  79'
Note: Superstar Ronaldinho played in Honduras for the first time in a match so-called 'Partido por La Paz' (Game for peace). Midfielder Amado Guevara, who retired in 2015 also took part.

Broncos del Sur v Motagua

13 January 2018 Friendly	Broncos del Sur	0–1	Motagua	Choluteca, Choluteca
15:00		Report	20' Discua	Stadium: Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse Referee: Starting XI 25 – Licona 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino 16 – Castellanos 27 – Crisanto 31 – Bernárdez 34 – López
Note: This was F.C. Motagua's first and only practicing match before the start of the Clausura tournament. These two teams haven't face since 6 May 2001 (0–0) for the 2000–01 season.

Rio Grande Valley v Motagua

24 February 2018 Friendly	Rio Grande Valley	2–5	Motagua	Edinburg, United States
19:00	20' Garza  37'	Report	4' López  10' Mayenfisch  13' Vega  64' Discua  69' Castillo	Stadium: H-E-B Park Referee: Starting XI 1 – Fonseca 10 – Andino 11 – Vega 12 – Santos 14 – Mayenfisch 17 – Maldonado 18 – W. Crisanto 22 – Estupiñán 24 – Elvir 31 – Bernárdez 34 – López Substitutes 8 – Martínez 5 – Pereira 9 – Castillo 6 – Mayorquín 2 – Montes 27 – F. Crisanto 7 – Discua
Note: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros plays in the United Soccer League. The match served as preparation for F.C. Motagua's contention at the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League.

Apertura

Motagua v Real Sociedad

6 August 2017 Week 1	Motagua	1–1	Real Sociedad	Comayagua, Comayagua
15:00	Martínez  88'	Report	53' Martínez	Stadium: Estadio Carlos Miranda Attendance: 3,228 Referee: Melvin Matamoros Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 5 – Pereira  56' 6 – Mayorquín  64' 7 – Discua 10 – Andino  71' 11 – Vega 23 – Flores 27 – F. Crisanto 31 – Bernárdez Substitutes 18 – W. Crisanto  56' 9 – Castillo  64' 8 – Martínez  71'
Note: Midfielder Walter Martínez made his debut scoring the only goal for F.C. Motagua this afternoon. Román Castillo returned after his injury last season. This marks the first game for Motagua outside Tegucigalpa due to the 5-game suspension of their stadium because of the incidents last season.

Juticalpa v Motagua

13 August 2017 Week 2	Juticalpa	2–2	Motagua	Juticalpa, Olancho
14:00	Lanza  6' Ocampo  85'	Report	68' Figueroa  89' Vega	Stadium: Estadio Juan Ramón Brevé Vargas Attendance: 4,045 Referee: Ángel Cruz Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín  46' 7 – Discua 10 – Andino 14 – Hernández 18 – W. Crisanto  75' 23 – Flores 27 – F. Crisanto  46' 31 – Bernárdez Substitutes 11 – Vega  46' 12 – Santos  46' 8 – Martínez  75'
Note: Defender Raúl Santos made his debut for F.C. Motagua. Henry Figueroa scored his third goal for Motagua and his first one since 20 November 2014.

Motagua v Marathón

2 September 2017 Week 3	Motagua	1–0	Marathón	Comayagua, Comayagua
18:00	Vega  44'	Report		Stadium: Estadio Carlos Miranda Attendance: 2,695 Referee: Nelson Salgado Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 6 – Mayorquín  26' 8 – Martínez  70' 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino 11 – Vega  90' 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 31 – Bernárdez Substitutes 18 – Crisanto  26' 23 – Flores  70' 21 – Grant  90'
Note: The game was rescheduled from 20 August due to a referees' strike. F.C. Motagua defeated C.D. Marathón exactly one month after their win at the 2017 Honduran Supercup. With the win, Motagua reached the top of the standings for the first time since week 6 in the Apertura 2016.

Honduras Progreso v Motagua

26 August 2017 Week 4	Honduras Progreso	2–3	Motagua	El Progreso, Yoro
19:15	Martínez  4' Delgado  28'	Report	37' Andino  59' Castillo  61' Mayorquín	Stadium: Estadio Humberto Micheletti Attendance: 1,159 Referee: Óscar Moncada Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 5 – Pereira  34' 6 – Mayorquín 7 – Discua 10 – Andino  77' 11 – Vega 23 – Flores  46' 27 – Crisanto 31 – Bernárdez Substitutes 9 – Castillo  34' 16 – Castellanos  46' 12 – Santos  77'
Note: F.C. Motagua hasn't lost to C.D. Honduras Progreso since 30 August 2015 (4–1 at El Progreso); since then the record stands as 8–4–0. In this game, striker Román Castillo reached 100 appearances wearing the Motagua's jersey.

Motagua v Olimpia

9 September 2017 Week 5	Motagua	1–1	Olimpia	Choluteca, Choluteca
18:00	Castillo  42'	Report	3' Costly	Stadium: Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse Attendance: 5,545 Referee: Melvin Matamoros Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 6 – Mayorquín 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo  66' 10 – Andino  75' 11 – Vega  85' 16 – Castellanos 27 – F. Crisanto 31 – Bernárdez Substitutes 14 – Hernández  66' 8 – Martínez  75' 18 – W. Crisanto  85'
Note: Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse hosted a Liga Nacional match for the first time. It was also the 8th time in history the Honduran Superclásico was played outside Tegucigalpa. Furthermore, the score 1–1 became the most repeated result between these two with 43 times.

Motagua v Vida

14 September 2017 Week 6	Motagua	0–0	Vida	Comayagua, Comayagua
19:00		Report		Stadium: Estadio Carlos Miranda Attendance: 1,487 Referee: Armando Castro Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín  46' 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino  63' 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  71' 31 – Bernárdez 35 – Meléndez Substitutes 11 – Vega  46' 8 – Martínez  63' 27 – F. Crisanto  71'
Note: This result marked the first scoreless game for F.C. Motagua since their 4–0 away loss against C.D. Real Sociedad on 19 February 2017.

Motagua v Real España

17 September 2017 Week 7	Motagua	2–1	Real España	Comayagua, Comayagua
16:00	Hernández  66' Crisanto  86'	Report	18' Benavídez	Stadium: Estadio Carlos Miranda Attendance: 3,744 Referee: Orlando Hernández Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín  46' 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino  46' 11 – Vega  65' 16 – Castellanos 27 – F. Crisanto 31 – Bernárdez Substitutes 8 – Martínez  46' 18 – W. Crisanto  46' 14 – Hernández  65'
Note: With the win, F.C. Motagua reached 21 unbeaten league games, matching up with the third longest streak obtained between 1998 and 1999 (12–9–0). This game also represents the last match playing outside Tegucigalpa after complying with the punishment imposed by the league.

Platense v Motagua

24 September 2017 Week 8	Platense	4–3	Motagua	Puerto Cortés, Cortés
15:00	Hay  66' Castillo  80' Aguilar  88' Figueroa  90'	Report	16'  56' Hernández  58' Castillo	Stadium: Estadio Excélsior Attendance: 1,695 Referee: Erick Andino Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 5 – Pereira 7 – Discua  75' 8 – Martínez  59' 9 – Castillo 14 – Hernández  68' 16 – Castellanos 27 – Crisanto 31 – Bernárdez Substitutes 23 – Flores  59' 11 – Vega  68' 10 – Andino  75'
Note: Jorge Lozano, a former F.C. Motagua player, made his debut as a coach in the league with Platense F.C. as interim. Motagua burned out a 3-goal advantage. It was the first defeat since 19 February 2017, losing an unbeaten streak of 21 games, the club's third longest.

Motagua v UPNFM

27 September 2017 Week 9	Motagua	1–1	UPNFM	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
19:00	Hernández  65'	Report	73' Róchez	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: 2,912 Referee: José Zelaya Starting XI 19 – Rougier  46' 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 5 – Pereira 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez  46' 9 – Castillo 14 – Hernández 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  75' 31 – Bernárdez Substitutes 25 – Licona  46' 10 – Andino  46' 27 – F. Crisanto  75'
Note: This was F.C. Motagua's first home game at Tegucigalpa since 28 May 2017 and the first ever encounter against Lobos UPNFM.

Real Sociedad v Motagua

1 October 2017 Week 10	Real Sociedad	0–2	Motagua	Tocoa, Colón
14:00		Report	7' Castillo  37' Vega	Stadium: Estadio Francisco Martínez Durón Attendance: 1,133 Referee: Héctor Rodríguez Starting XI 25 – Licona 5 – Pereira 6 – Mayorquín 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino  63' 11 – Vega  70' 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – Crisanto  82' 31 – K. Bernárdez 35 – Meléndez Substitutes 8 – Martínez  63' 24 – Elvir  70' 38 – H. Bernárdez  82'
Note: After 11 unsuccessful attempts, F.C. Motagua were finally able to obtain a victory at Estadio Francisco Martínez Durón for the first time since C.D. Real Sociedad's promotion in 2012. Motagua had 4 players called out for the Honduras national football team and finished this game with 9 men after two players were ejected. Left winger Omar Elvir reappeared after his injury last May. Defender Harrinson Bernárdez reappeared since 29 October 2016.

Motagua v Juticalpa

15 October 2017 Week 11	Motagua	3–2	Juticalpa	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00	Elvir  10' Hernández  30' Vega  90+4'	Report	34' Padilla  90+5' (o.g.) Elvir	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: 4,467 Referee: Nelson Salgado Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira  86' 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo 12 – Santos 14 – Hernández  74' 18 – W. Crisanto  74' 23 – Flores 24 – Elvir 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 11 – Vega  74' 35 – Meléndez  74' 17 – Maldonado  86'
Note: F.C. Motagua returned to action after a 2-week break due to the World Cup qualifying matches. Defender Omar Elvir scored for and against his club. Youngster Denil Maldonado appeared for the first time this season substituting injured Marcelo Pereira. With the win, Motagua improved to second position.

Marathón v Motagua

21 October 2017 Week 12	Marathón	1–2	Motagua	San Pedro Sula, Cortés
15:30	Arboleda  45+5' (pen.)	Report	80' Castillo  90' Crisanto	Stadium: Estadio Yankel Rosenthal Attendance: 4,104 Referee: Óscar Moncada Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo 12 – Santos  46' 14 – Hernández  17' 16 – Castellanos  76' 18 – W. Crisanto 24 – Elvir 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 8 – Martínez  17' 11 – Vega  46' 23 – Flores  76'
Note: Left winger Omar Elvir reached 200 league appearances with F.C. Motagua. Forward Eddie Hernández suffered a cheekbone fracture and is expected to be out of action for one month. This marked the first time in league history that Motagua defeated C.D. Marathón in four consecutive games.

Motagua v Honduras Progreso

26 October 2017 Week 13	Motagua	1–0	Honduras Progreso	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
19:00	Castillo  6'	Report		Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: 2,377 Referee: Saíd Martínez Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín  88' 7 – Discua  77' 9 – Castillo 11 – Vega 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  81' 24 – Elvir 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 8 – Martínez  77' 34 – López  81' 23 – Flores  88'
Note: This fourth straight win allowed F.C. Motagua to keep the first position in the standings. Forward Kevin López made his season's debut.

Olimpia v Motagua

29 October 2017 Week 14	Olimpia	0–0	Motagua	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00		Report		Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: 9,224 Referee: Armando Castro Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín  86' 7 – Discua  90' 9 – Castillo 11 – Vega 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  89' 24 – Elvir 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 23 – Flores  86' 34 – López  89' 8 – Martínez  90'
Note: With the scoreless tie, the 0–0 (along with 1–1) became the most repeated result in the Honduran Superclásico with 43 times. Additionally, this was the fifth time in a row these two finished leveled, establishing a new record. The game was stained with controversy as the assistant referee disallowed a goal for Motagua due to a questionable foul in the area.

Vida v Motagua

5 November 2017 Week 15	Vida	2–1	Motagua	La Ceiba, Atlántida
15:00	Palacios  51' Moncada  64'	Report	42' Discua	Stadium: Estadio Nilmo Edwards Attendance: 3,082 Referee: Ángel Cruz Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 6 – Mayorquín  68' 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – Crisanto 24 – Elvir 31 – Bernárdez  78' 35 – Meléndez Substitutes 34 – López  68' 8 – Martínez  78'
Note: Carlos Discua scored his first goal of the season, and his first one since 28 May 2017 reaching a total of 50 goals with F.C. Motagua. With the defeat, the club lost the opportunity to stay at the top of the standings.

Real España v Motagua

18 November 2017 Week 16	Real España	3–2	Motagua	San Pedro Sula, Cortés
19:00	Altamirano  10' Delgado  55' Vuelto  67' (pen.)	Report	7'  74' Castillo	Stadium: Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano Attendance: 2,540 Referee: Héctor Rodríguez Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 6 – Mayorquín  69' 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo 11 – Vega  59' 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – Crisanto 24 – Elvir 35 – Meléndez Substitutes 8 – Martínez  59' 34 – López  69'
Note: The game was originally scheduled to be played on 9 November but Real C.D. España requested to postpone due to some repairs being performed at Estadio Francisco Morazán. It was the first game for F.C. Motagua at Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano since November 2014. Forward Román Castillo scored his first double since April 2017.

Motagua v Platense

12 November 2017 Week 17	Motagua	5–1	Platense	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00	Vega  31' Crisanto  45+1' (pen.) Martínez  50'  53' Castillo  90'	Report	63' Álvarez	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: 2,929 Referee: Nelson Salgado Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 6 – Mayorquín  76' 8 – Martínez  87' 9 – R. Castillo 11 – Vega 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – Crisanto  86' 24 – Elvir 35 – Meléndez Substitutes 23 – Flores  76' 34 – López  86' 15 – D. Castillo  87'
Note: With the win, F.C. Motagua improved to second position. They also finished unbeaten at home in the regular season with 5 wins and 4 draws. Midfielder Walter Martínez scored his first double for the club. They also scored 5+ goals again since November 2015 (7–1 v Real C.D. España).

UPNFM v Motagua

23 November 2017 Week 18	UPNFM	0–1	Motagua	Comayagua, Comayagua
19:00		Report	52' Elvir	Stadium: Estadio Carlos Miranda Attendance: 2,631 Referee: Saíd Martínez Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez  71' 9 – Castillo  83' 11 – Vega 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  86' 24 – Elvir 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 23 – Flores  71' 14 – Hernández  83' 34 – López  86'
Note: With the win, F.C. Motagua finished second place in the regular season for their 20th time. They also clinched direct qualification to the semifinals. This game was played three days prior the 2017 elections.

Olimpia v Motagua

20 December 2017 Semifinals	Olimpia	2–0	Motagua	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
15:00	Estupiñán  79' López  90+5' (pen.)	Report		Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: Closed gates Referee: Saíd Martínez Starting XI 19 – Rougier 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'
Note: F.C. Motagua and Club Deportivo Olimpia will face in this stage for their 11th time, having Motagua advanced in six from the previous ten. The match was scheduled to be played on 14 December, however, it was suspended due to the violent incidents occurred in the other semifinal between Real C.D. España and C.D. Marathón. The National Police Department informed that there was a lack of security guarantees. The game was finally played on 20 December on closed doors, an unprecedented fact in this derby. The club played after 27 days of inactivity due to the political crisis that sequel from the 2017 presidential elections.

Motagua v Olimpia

23 December 2017 Semifinals	Motagua	3–1	Olimpia	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
15:00	Vega  48' Castillo  55'  74'	Report	3' Velásquez	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: Closed gates Referee: Melvin Matamoros Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 5 – Pereira  21' 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez  46' 9 – Castillo 11 – Vega 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  46' 24 – Elvir Substitutes 27 – F. Crisanto  21' 34 – López  46' 6 – Mayorquín  46'
Note: With a 3–3 aggregated score, F.C. Motagua advanced to their third straight final thanks to their better regular season record. Motagua recovered from a 0–3 disadvantage in aggregate to score three unanswered goals in the last 45 minutes of play.

Real España v Motagua

27 December 2017 Final	Real España	2–0	Motagua	San Pedro Sula, Cortés
17:30	Vuelto  36'  76'	Report		Stadium: Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano Attendance: 8,192 Referee: Héctor Rodríguez Starting XI 19 – Rougier 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'
Note: F.C. Motagua and Real C.D. España will play their 7th final in history, having won three each in the previous six. Real España requested to play at Estadio Francisco Morazán but this stadium was suspended due to the riots occurred in the semifinals. Darixon Vuelto scored twice to give Real España a two goals advantage in the first leg.

Motagua v Real España

30 December 2017 Final	Motagua	2–1 (a.e.t.)	Real España	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00	Castillo  62'  73' (pen.)	Report	108' Tejeda	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: 13,052 Referee: Saíd Martínez Starting XI 25 – Licona 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín  46' 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo 11 – Vega  46' 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  60' 24 – Elvir 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 14 – Hernández  46' 8 – Martínez  46' 34 – López  60'
Note: This was the first time in league history that a tournament concluded one day before New Year's Eve. With a 3–2 aggregate score, Real C.D. España defeated F.C. Motagua. Forward Román Castillo scored twice to finish as the tournament's top goalscorer with 13 goals.

Clausura

UPNFM v Motagua

21 January 2018 Week 1	UPNFM	1–2	Motagua	Choluteca, Choluteca
15:00	Róchez  90'	Report	37' Vega  85' Estupiñán	Stadium: Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse Attendance: 3,911 Referee: Melvin Matamoros Starting XI 1 – Fonseca 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo  81' 10 – Andino  63' 11 – Vega 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  79' 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 6 – Mayorquín  63' 14 – Mayenfisch  79' 22 – Estupiñán  81'
Note: F.C. Motagua played their first Clausura game after just three weeks of rest from the previous tournament. It was their second official game at Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse in history. After 13 months of inactivity due to a long injury, goalkeeper Harold Fonseca reappeared in the initial lineup. Midfielder Germán Mayenfisch and forward Javier Estupiñán made their official debut with the club; this last one scoring a goal.

Motagua v Real Sociedad

24 January 2018 Week 2	Motagua	2–0	Real Sociedad	Choluteca, Choluteca
19:00	Peña  76' (o.g.) Castillo  78'	Report		Stadium: Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse Attendance: 5,277 Referee: Nelson Salgado Starting XI 1 – Fonseca 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino  65' 11 – Vega  58' 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  76' 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 22 – Estupiñán  58' 14 – Mayenfisch  65' 8 – Martínez  73'
Note: With the second straight win, the club stays at the top of the standings. F.C. Motagua was favored with an own goal again since 11 March 2015, curiously also against C.D. Real Sociedad. Also, with this result, Motagua leveled the all-time series against Real Sociedad with a 9–7–9 balance.

Real España v Motagua

27 January 2018 Week 3	Real España	0–0	Motagua	San Pedro Sula, Cortés
19:00		Report		Stadium: Estadio Francisco Morazán Attendance: 1,965 Referee: Raúl Castro Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo  71' 11 – Vega  60' 12 – Santos 14 – Mayenfisch  63' 16 – Castellanos 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 22 – Estupiñán  60' 18 – W. Crisanto  63' 5 – Pereira  71'
Note: These two teams faced again after 28 days of their last encounter at the Apertura finals. F.C. Motagua achieved their second straight clean sheet. Diego Vásquez coached his 200th game with the club, this number includes all competitions.

Motagua v Honduras Progreso

31 January 2018 Week 4	Motagua	3–0	Honduras Progreso	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
19:00	Pereira  29' Castillo  57' Estupiñán  81'	Report		Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: 2,130 Referee: Marlon Díaz Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez  66' 9 – Castillo  61' 10 – Andino 12 – Santos 14 – Mayenfisch  58' 16 – Castellanos 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 18 – W. Crisanto  58' 22 – Estupiñán  61' 6 – Mayorquín  66'
Note: Defender Marcelo Pereira scored his first goal since April 2017. In four games, F.C. Motagua has only received one goal and this represented their third straight clean sheet.

Olimpia v Motagua

4 February 2018 Week 5	Olimpia	1–1	Motagua	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00	Velásquez  28' (pen.)	Report	70' Estupiñán	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: 7,250 Referee: Melvin Matamoros Starting XI 1 – Fonseca 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez  46' 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino  55' 12 – Santos 14 – Mayenfisch  46' 16 – Castellanos 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 18 – W. Crisanto  46' 6 – Mayorquín  46' 22 – Estupiñán  55'
Note: The score 1–1 became the most repeated result (44) in the history of the Honduran Superclásico. Forward Javier Estupiñán scored the equalizer for F.C. Motagua against his previous club. The Colombian also became the seventh player to score for both clubs in the history of this derby.

Platense v Motagua

7 February 2018 Week 6	Platense	3–3	Motagua	Puerto Cortés, Cortés
19:15	Hay  13'  86' Martínez  30'	Report	29' Discua Crisanto  52' Martínez  70' Montes	Stadium: Estadio Excélsior Attendance: 2,271 Referee: Orlando Hernández Starting XI 1 – Fonseca 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 6 – Mayorquín  46' 7 – Discua 11 – Vega  46' 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  70' 22 – Estupiñán 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 10 – Andino  46' 8 – Martínez  46' 34 – López  70'
Note: In a rainy night, F.C. Motagua was unable to obtain a victory at Estadio Excélsior, this was the fourth consecutive win-less visit at this venue. Right winger Wilmer Crisanto missed a penalty kick in the second half. Defender Juan Montes scored his first goal of the season.

Motagua v Marathón

11 February 2018 Week 7	Motagua	3–0	Marathón	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00	Martínez  21' Castillo  37'  73' (pen.)	Report		Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Attendance: 4,223 Referee: Erick Andino Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 7 – Discua  63' 8 – Martínez 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 6 – Mayorquín  63' 14 – Mayenfisch 22 – Estupiñán
Note: After his double, Román Castillo reached 70 goals playing for F.C. Motagua, he converted a penalty kick in a Panenka style. This was the club's first home game playing on a Sunday afternoon this year, which is their most traditional schedule.

Juticalpa v Motagua

14 February 2018 Week 8	Juticalpa	0–1	Motagua	Juticalpa, Olancho
19:00		Report	14' Martínez	Stadium: Estadio Juan Ramón Brevé Vargas Referee: Nelson Salgado Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín 8 – Martínez  72' 9 – Castillo 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  75' 27 – F. Crisanto 53 – Romero  54' Substitutes 10 – Andino  54' 22 – Estupiñán  72' 34 – López  75'
Note: With the win, F.C. Motagua raised to the top of the standings. Midfielder César Romero reappeared in the lineups since February 2017. Midfielder Héctor Castellanos arrived to his 100th appearance with the team. This also marked the second all-time victory at this venue, and the first one since September 2015.

Motagua v Vida

17 February 2018 Week 9	Motagua	1–0	Vida	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
19:00	Castillo  2'	Report		Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Referee: Armando Castro Starting XI 1 – Fonseca 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 8 – Martínez  67' 9 – Castillo  72' 10 – Andino  58' 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto 27 – F. Crisanto 41 – Baptiste Substitutes 22 – Estupiñán  58' 14 – Mayenfisch  67' 11 – Vega  72'
Note: F.C. Motagua obtained a victory in their last domestic game before their participation at the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League. In this game, midfielder Jack Baptiste made his professional debut with the club highlighting his first assistance. The team also accomplished their 6th match in the tournament with a clean sheet.

Motagua v UPNFM

7 March 2018 Week 10	Motagua	2–0	UPNFM	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
19:00	Estupiñán  34' López  77'	Report		Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Referee: Nelson Salgado Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 7 – Discua  69' 11 – Vega 12 – Santos 17 – Maldonado 18 – Crisanto  66' 22 – Estupiñán 24 – Elvir  33' 41 – Baptiste Substitutes 6 – Mayorquín  33' 34 – López  66' 8 – Martínez  69'
Note: This game was rescheduled from 25 February as F.C. Motagua was participating in the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League. Goalkeeper Jonathan Rougier won his 5th clean sheet this tournament.

Real Sociedad v Motagua

4 March 2018 Week 11	Real Sociedad	2–2	Motagua	Tocoa, Colón
14:00	Peña  70' Riascos  77'	Report	49' Castillo  90+1' López	Stadium: Estadio Francisco Martínez Durón Referee: Raúl Castro Starting XI 1 – Fonseca 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez  46' 12 – Santos 18 – Crisanto  64' 22 – Estupiñán 24 – Elvir 35 – Meléndez 41 – Baptiste  46' Substitutes 9 – Castillo  46' 6 – Mayorquín  46' 34 – López  64'
Note: Forward Román Castillo scored his 72nd goal with F.C. Motagua and tied Amado Guevara's record as the second all-time scorers.

Motagua v Real España

10 March 2018 Week 12	Motagua	1–2	Real España	Choluteca, Choluteca
19:00	Castillo  20'	Report	41' (pen.)  77' Martínez	Stadium: Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse Referee: Armando Castro Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez  77' 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino  86' 12 – Santos 18 – W. Crisanto  81' 27 – F. Crisanto 31 – Bernárdez Substitutes 22 – Estupiñán  77' 14 – Mayenfisch  81' 34 – López  86'
Note: F.C. Motagua lost their first game in the Clausura tournament. Additionally, it was their first loss as home club since November 2016, a long-lasting record of 29 unbeaten games.

Honduras Progreso v Motagua

18 March 2018 Week 13	Honduras Progreso	1–2	Motagua	El Progreso, Yoro
15:00	Morales  60'	Report	13' Martínez  37' Montes	Stadium: Estadio Humberto Micheletti Referee: Melvin Matamoros Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 6 – Mayorquín 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino  69' 12 – Santos 27 – Crisanto 41 – Baptiste  46' Substitutes 35 – Meléndez  46'  73' 11 – Vega  69' 3 – Figueroa  73'
Note: With the win, F.C. Motagua secured the top of the standings for another week.

Motagua v Olimpia

25 March 2018 Week 14	Motagua	0–1	Olimpia	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00		Report	45' (o.g.) Montes	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Referee: Óscar Moncada Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 5 – Pereira 6 – Mayorquín  46' 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez 9 – Castillo 12 – Santos  71' 16 – Castellanos 34 – López  61' Substitutes 11 – Vega  46' 10 – Andino  61' 24 – Elvir  71'
Note: Despite the defeat, F.C. Motagua stayed one more week at the top of the standings. Defender Juan Montes scored his second own goal against his club and his first one since August 2015.

Motagua v Platense

29 March 2018 Week 15	Motagua	1–2	Platense	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
19:00	Flores  70' (o.g.)	Report	64' Nieto  85' Winchester	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Referee: Héctor Rodríguez Starting XI 1 – Fonseca 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez  65' 9 – Castillo 11 – Vega  64' 24 – Elvir 27 – F. Crisanto 41 – Baptiste  46' Substitutes 18 – W. Crisanto  46' 22 – Estupiñán  64' 14 – Mayenfisch  65'
Note: The match started with a tribute to former player Santiago Vergara who passed away a few hours before. Defender Wilmer Crisanto played as goalkeeper the last 10 minutes of the game as Harold Fonseca saw a straight red card. This was the first lost to Platense F.C. at home since August 2006. Additionally, F.C. Motagua lost their third straight home game.

Marathón v Motagua

7 April 2018 Week 16	Marathón	2–1	Motagua	San Pedro Sula, Cortés
15:00	Arboleda  70' (pen.)  80'	Report	21' Castillo	Stadium: Estadio Yankel Rosenthal Referee: Héctor Rodríguez Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 5 – Pereira 6 – Mayorquín  79' 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez  72' 9 – Castillo 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  82' 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 10 – Andino  72' 3 – Figueroa  79' 22 – Estupiñán  82'
Note: This defeat represented F.C. Motagua's third straight loss, an adverse streak which happened for the first time since October 2011, coincidentally also against Club Deportivo Olimpia, C.D. Marathón and Platense F.C.. Forward Román Castillo scored his 74th goal with the team, and became the all-time top goalscorer according to the club.

Motagua v Juticalpa

12 April 2018 Week 17	Motagua	3–2	Juticalpa	Comayagua, Comayagua
19:00	Castillo  5'  57' (pen.) Mayorquín  83'	Report	44' Lanza  49' Güity	Stadium: Estadio Carlos Miranda Referee: Óscar Moncada Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín 7 – Discua  78' 9 – Castillo 18 – W. Crisanto 22 – Estupiñán  53' 24 – Elvir 27 – F. Crisanto 41 – Baptiste Substitutes 11 – Vega  53' 8 – Martínez 10 – Andino  78'
Note: Due to the crowd troubles aroused in the Honduran Superclásico on 25 March, F.C. Motagua was banned from their stadium for one game, making this the ninth game this season they have to play outside their ground. The match was moved to Comayagua.

Vida v Motagua

15 April 2018 Week 18	Vida	0–1	Motagua	La Ceiba, Atlántida
15:00		Report	41' Crisanto	Stadium: Estadio Nilmo Edwards Referee: Melvin Matamoros Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 5 – Pereira 6 – Mayorquín 7 – Discua  78' 9 – Castillo  62' 11 – Vega 18 – Crisanto 24 – Elvir  64' 41 – Baptiste Substitutes 22 – Estupiñán  62' 12 – Santos  64' 16 – Castellanos  78'
Note: With the win, F.C. Motagua finished the regular season in second position and advanced directly to the semifinals. Wilmer Crisanto scored the winning goal, which marked the goal number 20,000 in the history of the league.

Olimpia v Motagua

29 April 2018 Semifinals	Olimpia	0–0	Motagua	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00		Report		Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Referee: Saíd Martínez Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín 7 – Discua  75' 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino  84' 12 – Santos 16 – Castellanos 17 – Maldonado 27 – Crisanto Substitutes 14 – Mayenfisch  75' 22 – Estupiñán  84'
Note: Goalkeeper Jonathan Rougier won his seventh clean sheet of the tournament. It was the 44th scoreless game in the history of the Honduran Superclásico, the most repeated result along with 1–1.

Motagua v Olimpia

6 May 2018 Semifinals	Motagua	1–1	Olimpia	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00	Martínez  77'	Report	39' Costly	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Referee: Óscar Moncada Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes  73' 3 – Figueroa 6 – Mayorquín  46' 7 – Discua 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino 12 – Santos  46' 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 24 – Elvir  46' 8 – Martínez  46' 22 – Estupiñán  73'
Note: With a 1–1 aggregate score and thanks to their better position in the regular season standings, F.C. Motagua managed to advanced to their 4th consecutive final. The result 1–1 became the most common result (45 times) in the Honduran Superclásico history. With this result, the team also secured a spot for international competition in 2018–19.

Motagua v Marathón

13 May 2018 Final	Motagua	1–1	Marathón	Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00	Discua  27'	Report	41' Martínez	Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino Referee: Melvin Matamoros Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 7 – Discua 8 – Martínez  63' 9 – Castillo 10 – Andino  46' 16 – Castellanos 18 – W. Crisanto  80' 24 – Elvir 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 11 – Vega  46' 6 – Mayorquín  63' 14 – Mayenfisch  80'
Note: F.C. Motagua will face C.D. Marathón in a final series for their 4th time in league's history, and their first one since 2007. In the previous three, Motagua won one and lost two.

Marathón v Motagua

19 May 2018 Final	Marathón	0–0 (a.e.t.) (5–4 p)	Motagua	San Pedro Sula, Cortés
14:00		Report		Stadium: Estadio Yankel Rosenthal Referee: Óscar Moncada Starting XI 19 – Rougier 2 – Montes 3 – Figueroa 5 – Pereira 6 – Mayorquín 7 – Discua  94' 9 – Castillo  76' 16 – Castellanos 22 – Estupiñán  45+1' 24 – Elvir 27 – F. Crisanto Substitutes 8 – Martínez  45+1' 11 – Vega  76' 18 – W. Crisanto  94'
	Penalties
	Leverón Banegas Vargas Suazo Rodríguez Johnson		Crisanto Montes Martínez Pereira Elvir Mayorquín
Note: After a 1–1 aggregate, the championship was decided with penalty shoot-outs where F.C. Motagua lost 4–5. With the loss, the club qualified to the 2018 CONCACAF League. Manager Diego Vásquez reached 200 consecutive games leading the team, a franchise and league record.