SAN PEDRO SULA– The 2023 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League is at the fingertips of Honduran giants Olimpia, who can clinch a berth in next year’s tournament when they take on Diriangen of Nicaragua in the second leg of their 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf League quarterfinal series on Thursday night at the Estadio Francisco Morazan in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Olimpia won in commanding fashion in the first leg in Nicaragua, 4-0, and can not only qualify for the 2023 SCCL but also advance to this year’s SCL semifinals with a win, draw or a defeat by three goals or fewer.
In addition to the current aggregate scoreline, there are many other factors pointing in Olimpia’s favor. No team has scored more goals in SCL history than the Hondurans (45), Olimpia have won their last three matches in San Pedro Sula and they have gone nearly 500 minutes since last conceding at home in the SCL.
MF Michaell Chirinos continues to be a wonder, serving up his seventh career SCL assist in the first leg, tying him with Kevin Lopez for the most in tournament history.
Other attacking players for Olimpia like Brayan Moya, Jerry Bengtson and Jorge Benguche have made life difficult for Diriangen, as all three scored in the first leg.
But it is not like Diriangen was absent during the first 90 minutes last week at home. The Pinoleros had several chances to score and at times had the Olimpia defense on their heels.
Junior Arteaga and Ramiro Peters will be two players to watch up top for the visitors. Arteaga led his side in shots last week with three, while completing 95 percent of his passes (43 total). Peters is also a goal threat, evidenced by his tally against 2021 champions Comunicaciones in the previous round.
Diriangen will also need a good performance in the back, beginning with GK Justo Llorente and DF Erick Tellez, who had five ball recoveries last week.
Game Notes CD Olimpia vs Diriangen FC
Match Officials CD Olimpia vs Diriangen FC
Referee: Daneon Parchment (JAM)
AR1 Ojay Duhaney (JAM) AR2 Jassett Kerr-Wilson (JAM)
4th Official: Steffon Dewar (JAM)