2017–18 Honduran Liga Nacional

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

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

2017–18 teams
Location of teams in 2017–18 season

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

TeamLocationStadiumCapacity
Honduras ProgresoEl ProgresoEstadio Humberto Micheletti5,000
JuticalpaJuticalpaEstadio Juan Ramón Brevé Vargas20,000
MarathónSan Pedro SulaEstadio Yankel Rosenthal15,000
MotaguaTegucigalpaEstadio Tiburcio Carías Andino35,000
OlimpiaTegucigalpaEstadio Tiburcio Carías Andino35,000
PlatensePuerto CortésEstadio Excélsior7,910
Real EspañaSan Pedro SulaEstadio Francisco Morazán26,781
Real SociedadTocoaEstadio Francisco Martínez Durón3,000
UPNFMTegucigalpaEstadio Tiburcio Carías Andino35,000
VidaLa CeibaEstadio Nilmo Edwards18,000
  • Motagua changed its name from Club Deportivo Motagua to Fútbol Club Motagua.
  • F.C. Motagua used Comayagua and Choluteca as alternate venues in some games.
  • Lobos UPNFM used Comayagua and Choluteca as alternate venues in some games.

Managerial changes
TeamOutgoing managerManner of departureVacancyReplaced byAppointmentPosition in table
Juticalpa José DurónSacked18 May 2017 Mauro Reyes18 May 2017[1]Preseason
Marathón Manuel KeosseiánResigned6 June 2017 Héctor Vargas6 June 2017[2]Preseason
Vida Santiago FúnezSacked7 June 2017 Héctor Castellón6 June 2017[3]Preseason
Real Sociedad Héctor MedinaSacked26 June 2017 Carlos Martínez26 June 2017[4]Preseason
Honduras Progreso Wilmer CruzResigned5 September 2017 Nerlin Membreño5 September 2017[5]9th
Platense Reynaldo ClavasquínSacked[6]20 September 2017 Jorge Lozano21 September 201710th
Real Sociedad Carlos MartínezResigned1 October 2017 Douglas Munguía4 October 20179th
Real España Ramón MaradiagaResigned23 October 2017 Erick Gallegos24 October 20175th
Real España Erick GallegosReplaced7 November 2017 Martín García[7]7 November 20177th
Honduras Progreso Nerlin MembreñoSacked12 December 2017 Horacio Londoño27 December 2017Mid-season
Platense Jairo RíosSacked28 January 2018 Carlos Martínez28 January 201810th
Juticalpa Mauro ReyesSacked15 February 2018 Ramón Maradiaga[8]15 February 201810th
Olimpia Carlos RestrepoSacked20 March 2018 Nahúm Espinoza20 March 20183rd

Apertura

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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


Starting XI
1 – Mendoza (GK)
4 – Colón  16'
6 – Güity
7 – Ocampo
8 – Morazán
9 – Tinoco
10 – Lanza
17 – Ramírez
18 – Velásquez  78'
26 – Duarte
33 – Matute  58'
Substitutes
3 – Murillo  16'
14 – Oseguera  58'
30 – Willians  78'
Coach
(HON) Reyes		 Stadium: Estadio Francisco Morazán
Attendance: 1,316
Referee: Orlando Hernández
  • Real España won 5–2 on aggregate.
21 December 2017 Semifinals Real España 3–0 Marathón San Pedro Sula
10:00 Delgado  43'
Oseguera  69'
Claros
Benavídez  72'

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

Coach
García (URU)		 Report




Starting XI
29 – Calderón (GK)
3 – Córdova
4 – Fernandes
6 – Suazo
8 – Lacayo
16 – Banegas
19 – Berríos  46'
23 – Leverón  30'
24 – Lahera
27 – Arboleda
48 – Cálix  59'
Substitutes
2 – Bernárdez  30'
38 – Martínez  46'
10 – Vargas  59'
Coach
(ARG) Vargas		 Stadium: Estadio Francisco Morazán (1'–71')
Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano (72'–90')
Attendance: 6,931
Referee: Armando Castro (1'–71')
Raúl Castro (72'–90')
23 December 2017 Semifinals Marathón 3–1 Real España San Pedro Sula
15:00 Lacayo  53'
Arboleda  56' (pen.)  62' (pen.)

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


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

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


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

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


Starting XI
28 – Escober (GK)
6 – Castillo
13 – Costly
17 – Paz
19 – Tobías
20 – López
21 – Rojas  70'
23 – Velásquez
29 – G. Mejía  79'
30 – Palacios
33 – Chirinos  56'
Substitutes
8 – Garrido  56'
7 – C. Mejía  70'
18 – Estupiñán  79'
Coach
(COL) Restrepo		 Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Attendance: Closed gates
Referee: Melvin Matamoros
  • Motagua 3–3 Olimpia on aggregate. Motagua advanced on regular season record.
27 December 2017 Final Real España 2–0 Motagua San Pedro Sula
17:30 Vuelto  36'  76'

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

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

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

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

Clausura

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Coach
(COL) Londoño		 Stadium: Estadio General Francisco Morazán
Referee: Armando Castro
  • Real España 1–1 Honduras Progreso on aggregate. Real España advanced on regular season record.
28 April 2018 Semifinals Real España 0–1 Marathón San Pedro Sula
19:00

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Coach(HON)
Espinoza		 Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Óscar Moncada
  • Motagua 1–1 Olimpia on aggregate. Motagua advanced on regular season record.
13 May 2018 Final Motagua 1–1 Marathón Tegucigalpa
16:00 Discua  27' Report  41' Martínez Stadium: Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino
Referee: Melvin Matamoros
19 May 2018 Final Marathón 0–0 (a.e.t.)
(5–4 p)		 Motagua San Pedro Sula
14:00 Report Stadium: Estadio Yankel Rosenthal
Penalties
Leverón
Banegas
Vargas
Suazo
Rodríguez
Johnson 		Crisanto
Montes
Martínez
Pereira
Elvir
Mayorquín
  • Marathón 1–1 Motagua on aggregate. Marathón won 5–4 on penalty shoot-outs.

Top goalscorers

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

As of 19 May 2018
  • 24 goals:
Justin Arboleda (Marathón)
  • 23 goals:
Román Castillo (Motagua)
  • 14 goals:
Jamal Charles (Vida)
  • 12 goals:
Brunet Hay (Platense)
Carlos Lanza (Juticalpa)
  • 11 goals:
Jairo Róchez (UPNFM)
  • 10 goals:
Darixon Vuelto (Real España)
Ángel Tejeda (Real España)
Carlo Costly (Olimpia)
Júnior Lacayo (Marathón)
Franco Güity (Juticalpa)
Osman Melgares (Real Sociedad)
Brayan Velásquez (Olimpia)
  • 9 goals:
Michaell Chirinos (Olimpia)
Mario Martínez (Real España)
Diego Reyes (Real Sociedad / Olimpia)
Carlos Sánchez (Honduras Progreso)
  • 8 goals:
Roger Rojas (Olimpia)
Iván López (Real España)
Víctor Moncada (Vida / Juticalpa)
Walter Martínez (Motagua)
Javier Estupiñán (Olimpia / Motagua)
  • 7 goals:
Marco Vega (Motagua)
Alexander Aguilar (Platense)
Frelys López (Honduras Progreso)
Gerson Tinoco (Juticalpa)
Domingo Zalazar (Real España)
Mayron Flores (UPNFM)
Yaudel Lahera (Marathón)
  • 6 goals:
Franklyn Morales (Honduras Progreso)
Rony Martínez (Olimpia)
Juan Ocampo (Juticalpa)
Christian Altamirano (Real España)
  • 5 goals:
Hilder Colón (Juticalpa)
Jerrel Britto (H. Progreso / R. Sociedad)
Elmer Güity (Juticalpa)
Eddie Hernández (Motagua)
  • 4 goals:
Román Valencia (UPNFM)
Edder Delgado (Real España)
Jorge Benguché (Olimpia / UPNFM)
Juan Rodríguez (Marathón)
Johnny Leverón (Marathón)
Jorge Cardona (Honduras Progreso)
John Suazo (Marathón)
Brayan Ramírez (Juticalpa)
Jhow Benavídez (Real España)
Henry Romero (Marathón)
Júnior Padilla (UPNFM)
Wilmer Crisanto (Motagua)
Rundell Winchester (Platense)
  • 3 goals:
Shannon Welcome (Real Sociedad)
James Cabezas (Juticalpa)
Roberto Riascos (Real Sociedad)
Arnold Meléndez (UPNFM)
Akeem Roach (Vida)
Joshua Nieto (Platense)
Pedro Mencía (Honduras Progreso)
Carlos Discua (Motagua)
Marlon Ramírez (Juticalpa)
Alexander López (Olimpia)
Cristian Cálix (Marathón)
Bryan Martínez (Marathón)
  • 2 goals:
Claudio Cardozo (Real España)
Omar Elvir (Motagua)
Ever Alvarado (Olimpia)
Ronald Montoya (UPNFM)
César Guillén (Vida)
Kervin Arriaga (Platense)
Juan Montes (Motagua)
Jesús Canales (Olimpia)
Reinieri Mayorquín (Motagua)
Luis Palma (Vida)
Luis Lobo (Platense)
Carlos Róchez (UPNFM)
Kevin Álvarez (Olimpia)
Chestyn Onofre (Honduras Progreso / Vida)
Bryan Johnson (H. Progreso / Marathón)
Kevin López (Motagua)
André Ettienne (Honduras Progreso)
Edwin León (Honduras Progreso)
Henry Martínez (Honduras Progreso)
Rossel Cacho (Real Sociedad)
Bayron Méndez (Olimpia / Platense)
Ian Osorio (Platense)
Allan Banegas (Marathón)
Jeancarlo Vargas (Platense)
Michael Osorio (Vida)
Allans Vargas (Real España)
Carlos Mejía (Olimpia)
  • 1 goal:
Óscar Salas (Olimpia)
Patrick Palacios (Real España)
Pastor Martínez (Honduras Progreso)
Kendrick Cárcamo (Real Sociedad)
Pablo Arzú (Real Sociedad)
Fabián Castillo (Platense)
Esdras Padilla (Juticalpa)
Richard Rodríguez (Vida)
Carlos Palacios (Vida)
Mario Berríos (Marathón)
César Oseguera (Real España)
Nixon Duarte (Juticalpa)
Lázaro Yánez (UPNFM)
Javier Portillo (Vida)
Luis Castro (Platense)
José Reyes (Olimpia)
Édgar Álvarez (Platense)
Secundino Martínez (Real Sociedad)
Henry Figueroa (Motagua)
Joshua Vargas (Marathón)
José Tobías (Olimpia)
Frédixon Elvir (Honduras Progreso)
Mario Flores (Real Sociedad)
Clinton Arzú (UPNFM)
José Arévalo (Real España)
Hermes Castillo (UPNFM)
Cholby Martínez (Platense)
Kevin Caminos (Honduras Progreso)
Robbie Matute (Real Sociedad)
Rigoberto Padilla (UPNFM)
Sergio Peña (Real Sociedad)
Nissi Sauceda (UPNFM)
Maycol Montero (UPNFM)
José Murillo (Juticalpa)
Miguel Flores (Vida)
Juan Delgado (Honduras Progreso)
Erick Andino (Motagua)
Enuar Salgado (Real Sociedad)
Brayan García (Vida)
Mariano Acevedo (Honduras Progreso)
Brayan Figueroa (Platense)
Roby Norales (Platense)
Marvin Bernárdez (Vida)
Óliver Morazán (Juticalpa)
Marcelo Pereira (Motagua)
Dílmer Gutiérrez (Real Sociedad)
Gerson Rodas (Olimpia)
Elder Torres (Vida)
Aldo Oviedo (Juticalpa)
Eduardo Martínez (Real España)
Malik St. Prix (Vida)
  • 1 own goal:
Michael Osorio (Vida)
Omar Elvir (Motagua)
José Quiroz (Real España)
Wilfredo Barahona (Real España)
Jeffri Flores (Platense)
Bryan Bernárdez (Marathón)
Luis Castro (Platense)
Marcos Martínez (Platense)
Justin Arboleda (Marathón)
Roy Smith (Honduras Progreso)
Luis Lobo (Platense)
Getsel Montes (Real España)
Sergio Peña (Real Sociedad)
Juan Montes (Motagua)
Hilder Colón (Juticalpa)

Aggregate table

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

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

Awards

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

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

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