Olimpia Makes History with Record-Breaking Victory in Clásico Nacional

Night of Records and Goals: Olimpia Dominates Honduran National League

November 12, 2023

Olimpia has etched its name in the golden pages of the Honduran National League by achieving a historic feat. With a resounding 5-1 victory over Marathón, they have become the team with the highest number of points in the short tournaments. This triumph also marks their victory in the national classic, solidifying their record-breaking performance.

Breaking the Previous Record

Olimpia has surpassed the previous record set during the Apertura 2019 tournament, which was the first tournament under the guidance of Argentine coach Pedro Troglio. In that season, they accumulated an impressive 44 points over 18 matchdays. In the current Apertura 2022 tournament, they still have a pending match that could further enhance their statistics.

A Fierce Battle

Marathón entered the National Chelato Uclés stadium with determination, fighting for the second spot that would secure their place in the semifinals. They were aware of Motagua’s 3-2 defeat against Real Sociedad, which opened up an opportunity for them. In the 12th minute, Francisco “Chelito” Martínez made a brilliant pass to Clayvin Zúniga, who found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Edrick Menjívar and scored the opening goal, giving Marathón a 1-0 lead.

A Turn of Events

However, Olimpia quickly turned the tide. Samuel Elvir came close to doubling Marathón’s lead with a shot that hit the crossbar, but Menjívar’s heroics denied them. Just before the end of the first half, Olimpia’s relentless pressure paid off. Edwin Rodríguez showcased his skills, dribbling past defenders and forcing an own goal from André Orellana. The score was level at 1-1 in the third minute of added time.

A Remarkable Comeback

In the second half, Olimpia continued their dominance and overwhelmed Marathón. Edwin Rodríguez’s free kick and Jerry Bengtson’s header put Olimpia in the lead with a score of 2-1. A defensive mistake by César Samudio resulted in an own goal, extending Olimpia’s advantage to 3-1 in the 67th minute.

Olimpia’s relentless pursuit of victory paid off even more. “Pana” Samudio fouled Jorge Benguché in the penalty area, leading to a penalty kick. Bengtson confidently converted the penalty, completing his hat trick and bringing his total goal tally to 176. He is now just 20 goals away from surpassing Wilmer Velásquez as the all-time leading scorer in the National League.

A Resounding Victory

With the match firmly in their control, Olimpia continued to dominate, leaving Marathón with no chance of a comeback. In the 88th minute, Yustin Arboleda sealed the victory with a fifth goal, making it 5-1. Olimpia now shifts its focus to the final match against UPN, where they will fight for the last semifinal spot and depend on the outcome of the Motagua-Victoria duel, which will take place on November 25.

Olimpia has now achieved 13 consecutive victories over Marathón in Tegucigalpa and remains unbeaten in 27 games in the National League.

The next challenge for Olimpia is an away match against Génesis FC, where they will aim to continue their winning streak and accumulate more points. The team’s unbeaten record stands as a testament to their legendary status.

OLIMPIA 5-1 MARATHON TECHNICAL SHEET

(5) OLYMPIA – Edrick Menjívar; Maylor Núñez, Jonathan Paz, Julián Martínez, Carlos Sánchez; Carlos Pineda, Jorge Álvarez (Yan Maciel, 80′), Edwin Rodríguez (Edwin Solano, 77′), José Pinto (Kevin López, 80′); Jorge Benguché (Bryan Moya, 80′) and Jerry Bengtson (Yustin Arboleda, 77′).

Coach: Pedro Troglio (ARG)

Goals: André Orellana (AG) 45+4′, Jerry Bengtson 56′, 67′, 74′, Yustin Arboleda 88′.

Yellow cards: Jonathan Paz, Jorge Benguché, Julián Martínez.

Red cards: None.

(1) MARATHON – Caesar Samudio, Javier Arriaga, Kenny Bodden, André Orellana (Sebastián Gorga, 72′), Félix Crisanto; Francisco Martínez, Tomás Sorto (Allan Benegas, 72′), Isaac Castillo (Nicolás Royón, 65′), Damin Ramírez, Samuel Elvir (Yuny Dolmo, 65′), and Clayvin Zúniga.

Coach: Salomón Názar

Goal: Clayvin Zúniga 12′.

Yellow cards: Félix Crisanto, André Orellana, César Samudio.

Red cards: None.

**

Stadium: Nacional Chelato Uclés, Tegucigalpa.

Referee: Said Martínez