Motagua players (pictured) celebrate after scoring against host Honduras Progreso in the Honduran Clausura final, first-leg match on May 20, 2017, in El Progreso, Honduras.
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – After earning a win over Honduras Progreso last weekend, Motagua is just 90 minutes away from claiming a 15th Honduran title. It can do so on Sunday, when the sides meet in the second leg of the 2017 Clausura final at the Estadio Tiburcio Carias Andino.
TITLE IN SIGHT
Motagua defeated host Honduras Progreso, 4-1, in the first leg on Saturday. After Franklin Morales (25’) gave Honduras a 1-0 lead, the visitor responded with four unanswered goals from three players: Marco Tulio Vega (31’, 90’+4), Erick Andino (63’) and Carlos Discua (69’).
Motagua can win the title with a win, draw or a defeat in which Honduras Progreso do not win by three goals or more while also scoring at least four goals.
HISTORY ON THEIR SIDE
In addition to its advantage from the first leg, history is also on Motagua’s side. The Ciclon Azul is unbeaten in its last six meetings with Honduras Progreso in Tegucigalpa (4W-2D-0L; 14GF, 6GA).
HOT STREAK
Motagua has peaked at the right time, going unbeaten in its last 13 matches (8W-5D-0L). Its last loss came against Real Sociedad on February 19 (4-0).
SCCL BOUND
Motagua captured the 2016 Apertura crown and, even if Honduras Progreso lifts the Clausura trophy, it will compete in the 2018 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League by virtue of having the best combined regular-season record of the season’s champions.
HE SAID IT
Motagua midfielder Erick Andino: “It’s beautiful to see a completely full stadium. Hopefully that is repeated this Sunday. We rely on a very passionate fan base.”
