2017–18 F.C. Motagua season

The 2017–18 season was F.C. Motagua's 71st season in existence and the club's 52nd consecutive season in the top fight of Honduran football. As winners of both Apertura and Clausura last season, the club was looking for their 16th and 17th league title. They also competed for the 2017 Honduran Supercup and the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League. No Honduran Cup competition was scheduled from the Federation this season.

Motagua
2017–18 season
ChairmanEduardo Atala
ManagerDiego Vásquez
StadiumNacional
Carlos Miranda
Emilio Williams Agasse
AperturaRunners-up
ClausuraRunners-up
SupercupWinners
CONCACAF Champions LeagueRound of 16
Top goalscorerLeague: Castillo (23)
All: Castillo (23)
All statistics correct as of 19 May 2018.

Overview

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.

Kits

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

ManufacturerMain sponsor
JomaPepsi
Home
Away
Alternative
Goalkeeper

Players

Transfers in

PlayerContract dateMoving from
Walter Martínez15 June 2017[14] Marathón
Eddie Hernández26 June 2017[15] Deportes Tolima
Deybi Flores26 June 2017 Vancouver Whitecaps
Raúl Santos6 July 2017[16] Vida
Germán Mayenfisch12 January 2018[17] Deportivo Mandiyú
Javier Estupiñán16 January 2018[18] Olimpia

Transfers out

PlayerReleased dateMoving to
Santiago Vergara28 May 2017Hiatus
Martín Pucheta19 June 2017 San Lorenzo
Irvin Reyna29 June 2017 UPNFM
Cristian Hernández7 July 2017 Valle
Maylor Núñez2 January 2018 Valle
Henry Güity2 January 2018 Valle
Eddie Hernández8 January 2018[19] Irtysh Pavlodar
Marlon Licona12 January 2018[20] Honduras Progreso

Squad

  • Statistics as of 19 May 2018
  • Only league matches into account
No.Pos.Player nameDate of birth and ageGames playedGoals scored
< 16/1717/18Total< 16/1717/18Total
1GK Harold Fonseca (1993-10-08)8 October 1993 (aged 23)16723000
2DF Juan Montes (1985-10-26)26 October 1985 (aged 31)131431748210
3DF Henry Figueroa (1992-12-28)28 December 1992 (aged 24)12930159213
5DF Marcelo Pereira (1995-05-27)27 May 1995 (aged 22)502272314
6MF Reinieri Mayorquín (1989-07-13)13 July 1989 (aged 27)110361468210
7MF Carlos Discua (1984-09-27)27 September 1984 (aged 32)1823922149352
8FW Walter Martínez (1991-03-26)26 March 1991 (aged 26)03737088
9FW Román Castillo (1991-11-26)26 November 1991 (aged 25)9840138532376
10MF Erick Andino (1989-07-21)21 July 1989 (aged 27)70269625126
11FW Marco Vega (1987-04-14)14 April 1987 (aged 30)3733708715
12MF Raúl Santos (1992-08-02)2 August 1992 (aged 24)02727000
14FW Eddie Hernández (1991-02-27)27 February 1991 (aged 26)53106318523
14MF Germán Mayenfisch (1993-07-05)5 July 1993 (aged 23)01111000
15FW Denilson Castillo (1998-04-29)29 April 1998 (aged 19)213000
16MF Héctor Castellanos (1992-12-28)28 December 1992 (aged 24)7335108101
17MF Denil Maldonado (1998-05-25)25 May 1998 (aged 19)437000
18DF Wilmer Crisanto (1989-06-24)24 June 1989 (aged 28)1323917112416
19GK Jonathan Rougier (1987-10-29)29 October 1987 (aged 29)203555000
21FW Foslyn Grant (1998-10-04)4 October 1998 (aged 18)16117101
22FW Javier Estupiñán (1984-02-08)8 February 1984 (aged 33)01919044
23MF Deybi Flores (1996-06-16)16 June 1996 (aged 21)271340000
24DF Omar Elvir (1989-09-28)28 September 1989 (aged 27)198222208210
25GK Marlon Licona (1991-02-09)9 February 1991 (aged 26)67370000
26DF Harrinson Bernárdez (1997-05-14)14 May 1997 (aged 20)314000
27DF Félix Crisanto (1990-09-09)9 September 1990 (aged 26)643599505
28MF Kevin Castro (1998-10-09)9 October 1998 (aged 18)000000
29MF Edgardo Meléndez (1993-09-11)11 September 1993 (aged 23)000000
30MF Henry Güity (1996-06-24)24 June 1996 (aged 21)404000
31DF Klifox Bernárdez (1997-05-14)14 May 1997 (aged 20)261339000
32DF Maylor Núñez (1996-07-05)5 July 1996 (aged 20)202000
34FW Kevin López (1996-02-03)3 February 1996 (aged 21)69168510212
35DF Cristopher Meléndez (1997-11-25)25 November 1997 (aged 19)7815000
Manager Diego Vásquez (1971-07-03)3 July 1971 (aged 45)23 November 2013–
RESERVES TEAM
No.Pos.Player nameDate of birth and ageGames playedGoals scored
< 16/1717/18T< 16/1717/18T
36DF Roy Rodríguez (2000-04-08)8 April 2000 (aged 17)000000
37MF Óscar Romero (1999-02-23)23 February 1999 (aged 18)000000
38MF Marvin Ávila (2002-03-09)9 March 2002 (aged 15)000000
39FW Ángel Barrios (2000-10-27)27 October 2000 (aged 16)000000
40DF Melker Félix (2000-06-20)20 June 2000 (aged 17)000000
41MF Jack Baptiste (1999-12-20)20 December 1999 (aged 17)077000
42DF Deban López (1998-10-03)3 October 1998 (aged 18)000000
43MF Mario Arguijo (1999-03-31)31 March 1999 (aged 18)000000
44DF Albert Galindo (2000-10-21)21 October 2000 (aged 16)000000
45MF Jessem Ortega (1999-02-16)16 February 1999 (aged 18)000000
46MF Omar Canales (1999-09-02)2 September 1999 (aged 17)000000
47FW Josué Villafranca (1999-12-16)16 December 1999 (aged 17)101000
48FW Asaf Cacho (2000-07-27)27 July 2000 (aged 16)000000
49MF Juan Gómez (2000-04-03)3 April 2000 (aged 17)000000
50MF Jonathan Galo (1998-02-10)10 February 1998 (aged 19)000000
51FW Erick Gonzales (2001-05-23)23 May 2001 (aged 16)000000
52MF Kevin Escoto (1999-06-20)20 June 1999 (aged 18)000000
53MF César Romero (1999-01-19)19 January 1999 (aged 18)213000
54MF Everson López (2000-11-03)3 November 2000 (aged 16)000000
55MF Bayron Varela (2000-07-01)1 July 2000 (aged 17)000000
56MF Francisco Paz (2001-03-14)14 March 2001 (aged 16)000000
57MF Jonathan Núñez (2001-11-26)26 November 2001 (aged 15)000000
58FW Kenneth Martínez (2000-02-26)26 February 2000 (aged 17)000000
59GK Axell Bonilla (2000-01-10)10 January 2000 (aged 17)000000
60GK Alex Rivera (2000-07-20)20 July 2000 (aged 16)000000
61MF Allan Villalta (1999-10-22)22 October 1999 (aged 17)000000
62MF Fernando Castillo (2000-12-18)18 December 2000 (aged 16)000000
63MF Bayron Arzú (1998-02-10)10 February 1998 (aged 19)000000

Goalkeeper's action

  • As of 19 May 2018
GoalkeeperYears evaluatedGamesGoalsPer.
Jonathan Rougier2017–201855571.036
Harold Fonseca2011–2015, 2016–201823281.217
Marlon Licona2010–201770861.229
Wilmer Crisanto (emergent)2018111.000

Results

All times are local CST unless stated otherwise

Preseason and friendlies

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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
Note: F.C. Motagua returned the visit to Deportivo Saprissa after they played in 2015 for the Copa Ciclón.
25 July 2017 Friendly Santos de Guápiles 0–0 Motagua Guápiles, Costa Rica
20:00 Report Stadium: Estadio Ebal Rodríguez
Referee: Franklin Angulo (CRC)
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.
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.
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
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.
13 January 2018 Friendly Broncos del Sur 0–1 Motagua Choluteca, Choluteca
15:00 Report  20' Discua Stadium: Estadio Emilio Williams Agasse
Referee:
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.
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:
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

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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
14 September 2017 Week 6 Motagua 0–0 Vida Comayagua, Comayagua
19:00 Report Stadium: Estadio Carlos Miranda
Attendance: 1,487
Referee: Armando Castro
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Note: This was F.C. Motagua's first home game at Tegucigalpa since 28 May 2017 and the first ever encounter against Lobos UPNFM.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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).
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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

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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Note: Forward Román Castillo scored his 72nd goal with F.C. Motagua and tied Amado Guevara's record as the second all-time scorers.
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
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.
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
Note: With the win, F.C. Motagua secured the top of the standings for another week.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
15 April 2018 Week 18 Vida 0–1 Motagua La Ceiba, Atlántida
15:00 Report  41' Crisanto Stadium: Estadio Nilmo Edwards
Referee: Melvin Matamoros
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.
29 April 2018 Semifinals Olimpia 0–0 Motagua Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán
16:00 Report Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Saíd Martínez
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.

Honduran Supercup

2 August 2017 Marathón 1–2 Motagua San Pedro Sula, Cortés
19:00 Lacayo  83' Report  67' Andino
 77' Crisanto
Stadium: Estadio Francisco Morazán
Referee: Orlando Hernández
Note: With the win, F.C. Motagua captured their second Honduran Supercup title and their first one since 1999.

CONCACAF Champions League

21 February 2018 Round of 16 Motagua 0–1 Tijuana Edinburg, United States
21:00 Report  71' Rivero Stadium: H-E-B Park
Referee: Henry Bejarano (CRC)
Note: This was F.C. Motagua's first ever encounter against Club Tijuana and the fourth overall series against a Mexican club in official contention. The game was moved to the United States due to the 2017–2018 Honduran protests. During the second half, the game was suspended for 50 minutes due to an electric storm.
27 February 2018 Round of 16 Tijuana 1–1 Motagua Tijuana, Mexico
19:00 PST García  3' Report  88' Martínez Stadium: Estadio Caliente
Attendance: 15,333
Referee: Mario Escobar (GUA)
Note: The goal scored by Walter Martínez marked the first ever F.C. Motagua's goal and point against a Mexican club playing away. Additionally, it was the first away point by a Honduran team against a Mexican club since 2008.

By round

Round123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536
GroundHAHAHHHAHAHAHAAAHAAHAHAAHAHHAHAHHAHA
ResultDDWWDDWLDWWWWDLLWWWWDWDDWWWWDLWLLLWW
Position471322223321113222222111111111112222
Source:
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Statistics

  • As of 19 May 2018
CompetitionGPGWGDGLGSGCGDCSSGPer
League44211496746+2116858.33%
Supercup110021+100100.00%
Champions League201112–10116.67%
Others94321910+94455.56%
Totals562618128959+30201357.14%

References

  1. DiarioMas.hn – ¡Le cierran por nueve partidos el Estadio Nacional a Motagua! – 31 May 2017
  2. DiarioMas.hn – OFICIAL.- Reducen castigo a Motagua por muertos en la final – 3 July 2017
  3. ElHeraldo.hn – Video: Ronaldinho confirma su llegada a Honduras para el clásico Olimpia - Motagua – 1 June 2017
  4. Tiempo.hn – ¡Ronaldinho estará en Honduras y vestirá la camisa del Motagua y Real España! – 12 June 2017
  5. Marca.com – Ronaldinho: Neymar needs to follow his heart – 29 July 2017
  6. ElPais.hn – Show de Ronaldinho en estadio Nacional – 30 July 2017
  7. LaTribuna.hn – Amado Guevara: “Fue un privilegio jugar con Ronaldinho” – 30 July 2017
  8. "Dos celestes entre los más destacados". OvaciónDigital.com.uy. Ovación. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  9. DiarioMas.hn – Polémico empate protagonizaron Motagua y Olimpia – 9 September 2017
  10. "Murió el futbolista argentino Santiago Vergara". Clarín.com. Clarín. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  11. "Motagua vs Olimpia (1-1): Resumen y goles del partido". As.com. Diario AS. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
  12. "Marathón es campeón de la liga hondureña tras vencer a Motagua por penales". Líbero.pe. Líbero. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  13. Motagua.com – Camisa Oficial Motagua 2017-2018 – 22 July 2017
  14. Motagua.com – Walter Martínez firma y es parte del club – 15 June 2017
  15. DiarioMas.hn – Eddie Hernández y Deybi Flores regresan a Motagua – 26 June 2017
  16. Tiempo.hn – OFICIAL: ¡Motagua firma a Marcelo Santos, ex jugador del Vida! – 6 July 2017
  17. "Motagua ficha al argentino German Mayenfisch". AbriendoBrecha.tv. Abriendo Brecha. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  18. "¡Sorpresa! Javier Estupiñán deja al Olimpia y ficha por Motagua". LaPrensa.hn. La Prensa. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  19. DiarioMas.hn – Eddie Hernández separado de Motagua – 8 January 2018
  20. "Marlon Licona entrenó con Motagua pero se iría al Honduras Progreso". Diez.hn. Diario Diez. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
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