SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras - Walter Martinez and Carlos Mejia both converted a penalty kicks and Marathon defeated Pumas UNAM 2-0 Wednesday in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League.
The Honduran side, eliminated in the quarterfinals of last year's competition by the Puerto Rico Islanders, will take a comfortable advantage to Mexico City on March 18 for the second leg. The winner advances to play the victor between Arabe Unido and Cruz Azul.
Marathon, which was unbeaten at home in the Group Stage, capitalized on a Pumas side nearly devoid of any of its regulars, with only Paco Palencia and Ismael Iniguez among the starting 11 that have seen any significant time in the Mexican Clausura.
The Monstruo Verde (Green Monster) had the better of play from the start, creating a handful of chances before Guillermo Ramirez drew a penalty. He broke into the area before being pulled down from behind by David Cabrera.
Walter Martinez converted the penalty in the 18th minute for his fifth goal of the Champions League, four behind tournament leader Ulises Mendivil of Pachuca.
Marathon continued to push forward with Mejia creating the most trouble, getting a shot from 21 meters in the 25th that Pumas keeper Alejandro Palacios had to dive to push away at his right post, and taking another from distance in the 42nd that skipped off the turf before hitting the post.
Pumas' best chance in the first half came when Cabrera's free kick had to be pushed wide of the left post by diving keeper Orlin Vallecillo in the 35th.
Marathon started the second half in much the same manner as the first, getting the better of possession and chances. It capitalized again when Fernando Santana was called for a handball attempting a sliding tackle on Ramirez.
Mejia shot high and to the left for his second goal of the tournament and to give Marathon a comfortable lead.
