MIAMI, Florida – The 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup returns to the fold on Tuesday with the first leg of the quarterfinals between Honduran side Motagua and Independiente of Panama at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Ucles in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

While this is the first meeting between the two sides, there has been plenty of history between Panamanian and Honduran clubs in Concacaf competitions.

In 13 matches, Panamanian clubs have won four matches, while Honduran teams have won four matches along with five draws, thus reflecting the razor-thin margins between the teams.

Motagua reached this phase of the tournament by finishing in second-place in Group D with three wins and a defeat. FW Agustin Auzmendi has four goals and is currently the tournament’s top scorer, while Yeison Mejia has been a headache for opposing defenses with three goals and an assist.

Other key pieces for Motagua in the group stage were Raul Santos and Marcelo Pereira. Santos led the team with 177 passes and had seven ball recoveries and an assist in 374 minutes of action. Pereira had seven ball recoveries, five clearances and completed 143 passes.

Club Atletico Independiente survived a wild Group B to finish atop the table with three wins and a draw, outscoring opponents 11-3.

Carlos Small was a big reason for their success with three goals, while Victor Avila had two assists.

Jorge Serrano played a big role as well, drawing 13 fouls. Hector Hurtado’s 10 ball recoveries and 160 passes enabled Independiente to run things in midfield.