Wikipedia

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 edit

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 edit

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

Manufacturer Main sponsor
Joma Pepsi
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home
 
 
 
 
 
 
Away
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goalkeeper

Players edit

Transfers in edit

Player Contract date Moving from
  Walter Martínez 15 June 2017[14]   Marathón
  Eddie Hernández 26 June 2017[15]   Deportes Tolima
  Deybi Flores 26 June 2017   Vancouver Whitecaps
  Raúl Santos 6 July 2017[16]   Vida
  Germán Mayenfisch 12 January 2018[17]   Deportivo Mandiyú
  Javier Estupiñán 16 January 2018[18]   Olimpia

Transfers out edit

Player Released date Moving to
  Santiago Vergara 28 May 2017 Hiatus
  Martín Pucheta 19 June 2017   San Lorenzo
  Irvin Reyna 29 June 2017   UPNFM
  Cristian Hernández 7 July 2017   Valle
  Maylor Núñez 2 January 2018   Valle
  Henry Güity 2 January 2018   Valle
  Eddie Hernández 8 January 2018[19]   Irtysh Pavlodar
  Marlon Licona 12 January 2018[20]   Honduras Progreso

Squad edit

  • Statistics as of 19 May 2018
  • Only league matches into account
No. Pos. Player name Date of birth and age Games played Goals scored
< 16/17 17/18 Total < 16/17 17/18 Total
1 GK   Harold Fonseca (1993-10-08)8 October 1993 (aged 23) 16 7 23 0 0 0
2 DF   Juan Montes (1985-10-26)26 October 1985 (aged 31) 131 43 174 8 2 10
3 DF   Henry Figueroa (1992-12-28)28 December 1992 (aged 24) 129 30 159 2 1 3
5 DF   Marcelo Pereira (1995-05-27)27 May 1995 (aged 22) 50 22 72 3 1 4
6 MF   Reinieri Mayorquín (1989-07-13)13 July 1989 (aged 27) 110 36 146 8 2 10
7 MF   Carlos Discua (1984-09-27)27 September 1984 (aged 32) 182 39 221 49 3 52
8 FW   Walter Martínez (1991-03-26)26 March 1991 (aged 26) 0 37 37 0 8 8
9 FW   Román Castillo (1991-11-26)26 November 1991 (aged 25) 98 40 138 53 23 76
10 MF   Erick Andino (1989-07-21)21 July 1989 (aged 27) 70 26 96 25 1 26
11 FW   Marco Vega (1987-04-14)14 April 1987 (aged 30) 37 33 70 8 7 15
12 MF   Raúl Santos (1992-08-02)2 August 1992 (aged 24) 0 27 27 0 0 0
14 FW   Eddie Hernández (1991-02-27)27 February 1991 (aged 26) 53 10 63 18 5 23
14 MF   Germán Mayenfisch (1993-07-05)5 July 1993 (aged 23) 0 11 11 0 0 0
15 FW   Denilson Castillo (1998-04-29)29 April 1998 (aged 19) 2 1 3 0 0 0
16 MF   Héctor Castellanos (1992-12-28)28 December 1992 (aged 24) 73 35 108 1 0 1
17 MF   Denil Maldonado (1998-05-25)25 May 1998 (aged 19) 4 3 7 0 0 0
18 DF   Wilmer Crisanto (1989-06-24)24 June 1989 (aged 28) 132 39 171 12 4 16
19 GK   Jonathan Rougier (1987-10-29)29 October 1987 (aged 29) 20 35 55 0 0 0
21 FW   Foslyn Grant (1998-10-04)4 October 1998 (aged 18) 16 1 17 1 0 1
22 FW   Javier Estupiñán (1984-02-08)8 February 1984 (aged 33) 0 19 19 0 4 4
23 MF   Deybi Flores (1996-06-16)16 June 1996 (aged 21) 27 13 40 0 0 0
24 DF   Omar Elvir (1989-09-28)28 September 1989 (aged 27) 198 22 220 8 2 10
25 GK   Marlon Licona (1991-02-09)9 February 1991 (aged 26) 67 3 70 0 0 0
26 DF   Harrinson Bernárdez (1997-05-14)14 May 1997 (aged 20) 3 1 4 0 0 0
27 DF   Félix Crisanto (1990-09-09)9 September 1990 (aged 26) 64 35 99 5 0 5
28 MF   Kevin Castro (1998-10-09)9 October 1998 (aged 18) 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 MF   Edgardo Meléndez (1993-09-11)11 September 1993 (aged 23) 0 0 0 0 0 0
30 MF   Henry Güity (1996-06-24)24 June 1996 (aged 21) 4 0 4 0 0 0
31 DF   Klifox Bernárdez (1997-05-14)14 May 1997 (aged 20) 26 13 39 0 0 0
32 DF   Maylor Núñez (1996-07-05)5 July 1996 (aged 20) 2 0 2 0 0 0
34 FW   Kevin López (1996-02-03)3 February 1996 (aged 21) 69 16 85 10 2 12
35 DF   Cristopher Meléndez (1997-11-25)25 November 1997 (aged 19) 7 8 15 0 0 0
Manager   Diego Vásquez (1971-07-03)3 July 1971 (aged 45) 23 November 2013–
RESERVES TEAM
No. Pos. Player name Date of birth and age Games played Goals scored
< 16/17 17/18 T < 16/17 17/18 T
36 DF   Roy Rodríguez (2000-04-08)8 April 2000 (aged 17) 0 0 0 0 0 0
37 MF   Óscar Romero (1999-02-23)23 February 1999 (aged 18) 0 0 0 0 0 0
38 MF   Marvin Ávila (2002-03-09)9 March 2002 (aged 15) 0 0 0 0 0 0
39 FW   Ángel Barrios (2000-10-27)27 October 2000 (aged 16) 0 0 0 0 0 0
40 DF   Melker Félix (2000-06-20)20 June 2000 (aged 17) 0 0 0 0 0 0
41 MF   Jack Baptiste (1999-12-20)20 December 1999 (aged 17) 0 7 7 0 0 0
42 DF   Deban López (1998-10-03)3 October 1998 (aged 18) 0 0 0 0 0 0
43 MF   Mario Arguijo (1999-03-31)31 March 1999 (aged 18) 0 0 0 0 0 0
44 DF   Albert Galindo (2000-10-21)21 October 2000 (aged 16) 0 0 0 0 0 0
45 MF   Jessem Ortega (1999-02-16)16 February 1999 (aged 18) 0 0 0 0 0 0
46 MF   Omar Canales (1999-09-02)2 September 1999 (aged 17) 0 0 0 0 0 0
47 FW   Josué Villafranca (1999-12-16)16 December 1999 (aged 17) 1 0 1 0 0 0
48 FW   Asaf Cacho (2000-07-27)27 July 2000 (aged 16) 0 0 0 0 0 0
49 MF   Juan Gómez (2000-04-03)3 April 2000 (aged 17) 0 0 0 0 0 0
50 MF   Jonathan Galo (1998-02-10)10 February 1998 (aged 19) 0 0 0 0 0 0
51 FW   Erick Gonzales (2001-05-23)23 May 2001 (aged 16) 0 0 0 0 0 0
52 MF   Kevin Escoto (1999-06-20)20 June 1999 (aged 18) 0 0 0 0 0 0
53 MF   César Romero (1999-01-19)19 January 1999 (aged 18) 2 1 3 0 0 0
54 MF   Everson López (2000-11-03)3 November 2000 (aged 16) 0 0 0 0 0 0
55 MF   Bayron Varela (2000-07-01)1 July 2000 (aged 17) 0 0 0 0 0 0
56 MF   Francisco Paz (2001-03-14)14 March 2001 (aged 16) 0 0 0 0 0 0
57 MF   Jonathan Núñez (2001-11-26)26 November 2001 (aged 15) 0 0 0 0 0 0
58 FW   Kenneth Martínez (2000-02-26)26 February 2000 (aged 17) 0 0 0 0 0 0
59 GK   Axell Bonilla (2000-01-10)10 January 2000 (aged 17) 0 0 0 0 0 0
60 GK   Alex Rivera (2000-07-20)20 July 2000 (aged 16) 0 0 0 0 0 0
61 MF   Allan Villalta (1999-10-22)22 October 1999 (aged 17) 0 0 0 0 0 0
62 MF   Fernando Castillo (2000-12-18)18 December 2000 (aged 16) 0 0 0 0 0 0
63 MF   Bayron Arzú (1998-02-10)10 February 1998 (aged 19) 0 0 0 0 0 0

Goalkeeper's action edit

  • As of 19 May 2018
Goalkeeper Years evaluated Games Goals Per.
  Jonathan Rougier 2017–2018 55 57 1.036
  Harold Fonseca 2011–2015, 2016–2018 23 28 1.217
  Marlon Licona 2010–2017 70 86 1.229
  Wilmer Crisanto (emergent) 2018 1 1 1.000

Results edit

All times are local CST unless stated otherwise

Preseason and friendlies edit

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'		 http://www.teletica.com/Deportes/168040-Alajuelense-termino-los-fogueos-con-victoria-3-0-ante-el-Motagua.note.aspx[permanent dead link] Stadium: Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero
Referee: Juan Calderón (CRC)
Starting XI
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)
Starting XI
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)
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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:
Starting XI
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:
Starting XI
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 edit

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
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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 edit

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
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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
Starting XI
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 edit

Main article: 2017 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
Starting XI
Note: With the win, F.C. Motagua captured their second Honduran Supercup title and their first one since 1999.

CONCACAF Champions League edit

Main article: 2018 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)
Starting XI
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)
Starting XI
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 edit

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

Statistics edit

  • As of 19 May 2018
Competition GP GW GD GL GS GC GD CS SG Per
League 44 21 14 9 67 46 +21 16 8 58.33%
Supercup 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 0 0 100.00%
Champions League 2 0 1 1 1 2 –1 0 1 16.67%
Others 9 4 3 2 19 10 +9 4 4 55.56%
Totals 56 26 18 12 89 59 +30 20 13 57.14%

External links edit

References edit

  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[permanent dead link] – 22 July 2017
  14. ^ Motagua.com – Walter Martínez firma y es parte del club Archived 2018-09-17 at the Wayback Machine – 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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