The 2015–16 Honduran Liga Nacional season was the 50th Honduran Liga Nacional edition, since its establishment in 1965. For this season, the system format remained the same as the previous season. The tournament began on 31 July 2015ElHeraldo.hn – Torneo Apertura inicia el 31 de julio con diez equipos – 19 June 2015 and ended on 22 May 2016.
2015–16 teams
A total of 10 teams will contest the tournament, including 9 sides from the 2014–15 season plus Juticalpa F.C., promoted from the 2014–15 Liga de Ascenso.
Team Location Stadium Capacity Honduras Progreso El Progreso Estadio Humberto Micheletti 5,000 Juticalpa Juticalpa Estadio Juan Ramón Brevé Vargas 20,000 Marathón San Pedro Sula Estadio Yankel Rosenthal 15,000 Motagua Tegucigalpa Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino 35,000 Olimpia Tegucigalpa Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino 35,000 Platense Puerto Cortés Estadio Excélsior 7,910 Real España San Pedro Sula Estadio Francisco Morazán 26,781 Real Sociedad Tocoa Estadio Francisco Martínez Durón 3,000 Victoria La Ceiba Estadio Nilmo Edwards 18,000 Vida La Ceiba Estadio Nilmo Edwards 18,000
Managerial changes Team Outgoing manager Manner of departure Vacancy Replaced by Appointment Position in table Juticalpa Roger Espinoza SackedDiez.hn – Roger Espinoza es separado como técnico de Juticalpa FC – 7 September 2015 7 September 2015 Emilio Umanzor 8 September 2015 7th (Apertura) Platense Ricardo Ortiz SackedTiempo.hn – Ricardo “Tato” Ortíz es separado de Platense – 8 September 2015 8 September 2015 Guillermo Bernárdez 8 September 2015 10th (Apertura) Vida Ramón Maradiaga LaPrensa.hn – "Primitivo" Maradiaga deja el Vida y dirigirá a El Salvador – 20 September 2015 20 September 2015 Elvin López 21 September 2015 4th (Apertura) Real Sociedad Horacio Londoño ResignedDiarioMas.hn – Horacio Londoño renuncia como entrenador de Real Sociedad – 22 September 2015 22 September 2015 Mauro Reyes 22 September 2015 5th (Apertura) Real España Mario Zanabria ResignedElHeraldo.hn – Real España anuncia a Miguel Falero como entrenador para el Clausura 2015–16 – 3 November 2015 3 November 2015 Miguel Falero 3 November 2015 10th (Apertura) Victoria Jorge Pineda ResignedLaTribuna.hn – Jorge Pineda renuncia del Victoria – 19 January 2016 19 January 2016 Horacio Londoño 19 January 2016 10th (Clausura) Juticalpa Emilio Umanzor SackedRadioHouse.hn – Juticalpa despide a Emilio Umanzor; llegaría Wilmer Cruz – 1 February 2016 1 February 2016 Wilmer Cruz 1 February 2016 8th (Clausura) Marathón Jairo Ríos SackedHondurasSoccer.com – Jairo Ríos ha sido separado del Marathón y Carlos Pavón es el nuevo DT – 19 February 2016 19 February 2016 Carlos Pavón 19 February 2016 4th (Clausura) Victoria Horacio Londoño ResignedLaPrensa.hn – Horacio Londoño decidió irse del Victoria – 5 April 2016 5 April 2016 Jorge Lozano 5 April 2016 10th (Clausura)
Apertura The Apertura tournament is the first half of the 2015–16 season. It began on 1 August with a 1–0 C.D. Victoria's win over Platense F.C. at Estadio Nilmo Edwards.Diez.hn – Victoria abre el Apertura 2015 con triunfo a costas del Platense – 1 August 2015 Juticalpa F.C.'s first ever Liga Nacional game occurred on 9 August with great success for the debs as they managed to beat Real C.D. España with a 2–0 score. This game also served as the first ever official game at recently opened stadium Juan Ramón Brevé Vargas.ElHeraldo.hn – Juticalpa tuvo debut soñado ante el Real España – 9 August 2015 On 30 August, C.D.S. Vida defeated Club Deportivo Olimpia with a 2–3 away score for the first time after 21 years at Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino.Televicentro.hn – Vida acaba con maldición al vencer 3–2 al Olimpia en el Nacional – 30 August 2015 That Olimpia's defeat represented their first time losing three consecutive games playing in Tegucigalpa since 2001 and their worst season start ever with a 1–0–4 record at the moment. On 7 September, Juticalpa's Roger Espinoza became the first coach to be sacked due to poor results.LaPrensa.hn – El Juticalpa FC decide separar a Roger Espinoza – 7 September 2015 On 12 September, Vida's defender Elder Torres broke an all-time record against C.D. Motagua for being sent off after only 8 seconds of kickoff in a match played at Tegucigalpa.Diez.hn – Elder Torres del Vida recibe la roja más rápida de Liga Nacional – 12 September 2015 That same night, Olimpia's coach Héctor Vargas reached his 400 game as a manager in the Honduran Liga Nacional since his debut in 1998.DiarioMas.hn – Datos curiosos y tabla de la fecha 8 del torneo Apertura de Honduras – 13 September 2015 On 26 September, manager Ramón Maradiaga coached his last game with Vida leading his team in a 2–0 victory over C.D. Real Sociedad as he was hired by the El Salvador national football team on their quest to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.LaOpinion.com – El hondureño Maradiaga será el nuevo técnico de El Salvador – 20 September 2015 On 4 October, Malian defender Mamadou Traoré became the first African player to score a goal in the history of the league in the Platense's 2–1 win over Vida.DiarioMas.hn – Datos curiosos y tabla de la fecha 11 del torneo Apertura de Honduras – 4 October 2015 On 7 October, Marathón's president Yankel Rosenthal was arrested in Miami after the United States Department of Justice released a statement saying that he, as well as his uncle Jaime Rosenthal and cousin Yani Rosenthal were labeled "specially designated narcotics traffickers" under the Kingpin Act.usnews.com – Powerful Honduran businessman indicted in US for alleged money laundering for drug traffickers – 7 October 2015 On 6 November, C.D. Honduras Progreso clinched their first ever regular season title after defeating 1–0 Marathón at Estadio Humberto Micheletti. On 14 November, Motagua defeated Real España 7–1 at Tegucigalpa setting a record as the largest victory against them;RadioHouse.hn – TARDE DE RÉCORDS – 14 November 2015 representing also, the worst regular season finish for Real España with only 15 points of 54 possible (27.78%). On 10 December, international midfielder and Olimpia player Arnold Peralta was shot dead by a gunman in La Ceiba, five days after playing his last game in the semifinals. On 19 December, Honduras Progreso lifted their first league title after defeating Motagua on penalty shootouts after a 4–4 aggregate.Diez.hn – ¡Honduras Progreso, el nuevo rey de la Liga Nacional! – 19 December 2015
Regular season
Standings
Results As of 19 November 2015
Postseason
Playoffs 3rd seeded 6th seeded 1st leg 2nd leg Olimpia 5–4 Real Sociedad 2–2 3–2 4th seeded 5th seeded 1st leg 2nd leg Vida Marathón 0–0 0–0
GK 27 Francisco Reyes DF 3 Robbie Matute DF 5 Hilder Colón DF 18 Henry Clark DF 19 José Tobías DF – Jonathan Paz MF 15 Enuar Salgado FW 7 Marco Vega FW 11 Rony Martínez FW 24 Christian Altamirano – 22 Kemsie Abbott Substitutions: DF 6 José Barralaga MF 10 César Zelaya – 21 David Carranza Manager: Mauro Reyes
GK 28 Donis Escober DF 4 Fábio de Souza DF 5 Ever Alvarado DF 14 José Fonseca DF 36 Kevin Álvarez MF 7 Carlos Mejía MF 10 Bayron Méndez MF 20 Óliver Morazán MF 26 Óscar Salas FW 17 Alberth Elis FW 31 Romell Quioto Substitutions: DF 12 Bryan Johnson FW 33 Michaell Chirinos FW 21 Roger Rojas Manager: Héctor Vargas
GK 27 Noel Valladares DF 4 Fábio de Souza DF 5 Ever Alvarado DF 30 Johnny Palacios MF 7 Carlos Mejía MF 8 Arnold Peralta MF 10 Bayron Méndez MF 20 Óliver Morazán MF 26 Óscar Salas FW 17 Alberth Elis FW 31 Romell Quioto Substitutions: MF 29 German Mejía FW 33 Michaell Chirinos DF 36 Kevin Álvarez Manager: Héctor Vargas
GK 27 Francisco Reyes DF 3 Robbie Matute DF 5 Hilder Colón DF 6 José Barralaga DF 17 Osman Melgares DF 18 Henry Clark DF 19 José Tobías DF – Jonathan Paz FW 7 Marco Vega FW 24 Christian Altamirano – 22 Kemsie Abbott Substitutions: FW 11 Rony Martínez MF 10 César Zelaya – 21 David Carranza Manager: Mauro Reyes
GK 31 José Zúniga DF 2 Luis Palacios DF 4 Bryan Castro DF 5 Carlos Palacios MF 6 Jairo Puerto MF 16 Allan Banegas MF 17 Wilmer Fuentes MF 46 John Suazo FW 8 Walter Martínez FW 11 Diego Reyes FW 18 Darvis Argueta Substitutions: FW – Georgie Welcome DF 19 Mario Berríos FW 29 Joseph Cunningham Manager: Jairo Ríos
GK 18 Orlin Vallecillo DF 6 Secundino Martínez DF 16 Brayan García DF 23 Chestyn Onofre DF 33 Leonardo Domínguez MF 2 José Arévalo MF 8 Jesús Canales MF 20 Rodolfo Espinal MF 22 Miguel Valerio FW 9 Franco Güity – 11 Brayan Moya Substitutions: MF 12 Raúl Santos FW 7 Cholby Martínez MF 3 Nolberto García Manager: Elvin López
GK 1 Ricardo Canales DF 6 Secundino Martínez DF 23 Chestyn Onofre DF 33 Leonardo Domínguez MF 2 José Arévalo MF 8 Jesús Canales MF 12 Raúl Santos MF 20 Rodolfo Espinal MF 22 Miguel Valerio FW 7 Cholby Martínez – 11 Brayan Moya Substitutions: MF 10 Maycol Montero DF 4 Sonny Fernández DF 16 Brayan García Manager: Elvin López
GK 31 José Zúniga DF 2 Luis Palacios DF 5 Carlos Palacios DF 19 Mario Berríos DF 21 Daniel Tejeda MF 6 Jairo Puerto MF 17 Wilmer Fuentes MF 46 John Suazo FW 8 Walter Martínez FW 11 Diego Reyes FW – Georgie Welcome Substitutions: FW 29 Joseph Cunningham FW 18 Darvis Argueta – – – Manager: Jairo Ríos
Semifinals 1st seeded 4th seeded 1st leg 2nd leg Honduras Progreso 1–0 Vida 0–0 1–0 2nd seeded 3rd seeded 1st leg 2nd leg Motagua Olimpia 1–1 1–1
GK 18 Orlin Vallecillo DF 6 Secundino Martínez DF 23 Chestyn Onofre DF 33 Leonardo Domínguez MF 2 José Arévalo MF 8 Jesús Canales MF 13 Elder Torres MF 20 Rodolfo Espinal MF 22 Miguel Valerio FW 7 Cholby Martínez FW 11 Brayan Velásquez Substitutions: MF 10 Maycol Montero MF 12 Raúl Santos – – Manager: Elvin López
GK 27 Woodrow West DF 1 Pastor Martínez DF 3 Jorge Zaldívar DF 17 Dílmer Gutiérrez DF 31 Carlos Sánchez MF 6 Juan Delgado MF 12 Mariano Acevedo MF 15 Franklyn Morales FW 10 Edwin León FW 13 Ángel Tejeda FW 23 Pedro Mencía Substitutions: MF 8 Jorge Cardona FW 19 Aly Arriola – – Manager: Héctor Castellón
GK 27 Woodrow West DF 1 Pastor Martínez DF 3 Jorge Zaldívar DF 17 Dilmer Gutiérrez DF 31 Carlos Sánchez MF 6 Juan Delgado MF 12 Mariano Acevedo MF 15 Franklyn Morales FW 10 Edwin León FW 13 Ángel Tejeda FW 23 Pedro Mencía Substitutions: MF 8 Jorge Cardona MF 7 Luis Alvarado DF 4 Dederick Cálix Manager: Héctor Castellón
GK 1 Ricardo Canales DF 6 Secundino Martínez DF 16 Brayan García DF 23 Chestyn Onofre DF 33 Leonardo Domínguez MF 2 José Arévalo MF 8 Jesús Canales MF 12 Raúl Santos MF 20 Rodolfo Espinal MF 22 Miguel Valerio FW 11 Brayan Velásquez Substitutions: FW 14 Darián Álvarez MF 32 Marvin Bernárdez DF 4 Sonny Fernández Manager: Elvin López
GK 28 Donis Escober DF 4 Fábio de Souza DF 5 Ever Alvarado DF 30 Johnny Palacios DF 36 Kevin Álvarez MF 7 Carlos Mejía MF 8 Arnold Peralta MF 10 Bayron Méndez MF 20 Óliver Morazán FW 17 Alberth Elis FW 31 Romell Quioto Substitutions: MF – Mayron Flores FW 33 Michaell Chirinos FW 21 Roger Rojas Manager: Héctor Vargas
GK 25 Marlon Licona DF 2 Juan Montes DF 3 Henry Figueroa DF 4 Júnior Izaguirre DF 24 Omar Elvir DF 27 Félix Crisanto MF 6 Reinieri Mayorquín MF 22 Santiago Vergara FW 7 Erick Andino FW 14 Irving Reyna FW 30 Eddie Hernández Substitutions: DF 18 Wilmer Crisanto FW 34 Kevin López MF 16 Héctor Castellón Manager: Diego Vásquez
GK 25 Marlon Licona DF 2 Juan Montes DF 3 Henry Figueroa DF 4 Júnior Izaguirre DF 18 Wilmer Crisanto DF 24 Omar Elvir MF 6 Reinieri Mayorquín MF 22 Santiago Vergara FW 7 Erick Andino FW 14 Irvin Reyna FW 30 Eddie Hernández Substitutions: FW 10 Israel Silva FW 34 Kevin López DF 8 Orlin Peralta Manager: Diego Vásquez
GK 27 Noel Valladares DF 4 Fábio de Souza DF 5 Ever Alvarado DF 12 Bryan Johnson DF 30 Johnny Palacios MF 8 Arnold Peralta MF 10 Bayron Méndez MF – Mayron Flores MF 26 Óscar Salas FW 17 Alberth Elis FW 31 Romell Quioto Substitutions: MF 20 Óliver Morazán FW 33 Michaell Chirinos DF 36 Kevin Álvarez Manager: Héctor Vargas
Final 1st seeded 2nd seeded 1st leg 2nd leg Honduras Progreso Motagua 3–3 1–1