Clásico Nacional: Olimpia Faces Marathón in Key Liga Nacional Showdown

Tegucigalpa, Honduras – The fierce rivalry between Club Deportivo Olimpia and Club Deportivo Marathón is reigniting as they prepare to face off on Sunday, February 23, at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés. The match is part of the eighth round of the Liga Nacional de Honduras Clausura 2025 and will start at 5:15 p.m.

Olimpia, currently atop the league standings with 16 points from five wins, one draw, and one loss, seeks to consolidate its position after a significant 2-0 victory over Motagua. According to head coach Eduardo Espinel, maintaining their lead is crucial as they navigate close competition from Real España, which shares the same point tally.

“Each match is vital at this stage, and we want to ensure we keep our momentum going,” Espinel said during a pre-match press conference. “Marathón is always a tough opponent, but we are focused and prepared.”

Conversely, Marathón enters the match in fourth place with 10 points, having recorded two wins, four draws, and one loss. Head coach Manuel Keosseian‘s team has struggled to secure victories, highlighted by their last outing, a scoreless draw against Génesis. Keosseian aims to turn their performances around to challenge for higher standings.

“We need to capitalize on our opportunities if we want to be competitive in this league,” Keosseian stated. “Every game is a chance to prove ourselves, especially in a classic match like this.”

The history between these two clubs adds layers of intensity to their encounters. In their six previous matchups in 2024, there have been notable draws, including two tied games that ended in a 2-2 and 0-0 finish.

Fans will be particularly focused on Olimpia’s Jerry Bengtson, who, having scored multiple goals in recent matches, is on the verge of becoming the Liga Nacional’s all-time leading scorer. Currently tied with Wilmer Velásquez at 196 career goals, Bengtson looks to set a new record with his performance Sunday.

“I’m ready for the game and excited by the possibility of breaking the record,” Bengtson said. “Playing in a classic match makes it even more special, and I hope to help my team secure the win.”

The match draws significant attention across media outlets, with coverage on Deportes TVC, and is available for viewers through various cable operators and streaming platforms.

As gametime approaches, both teams are set to finalize their starting lineups. The probable starting eleven for Olimpia includes Edrick Menjívar, Edwin Lobo, and Jerry Bengtson, while Marathón might feature César Samudio and Alexy Vega among their ranks.

With the stakes high, this classic will not only decide bragging rights but could have implications for the overall standings as the season progresses. Fans on both sides are gearing up for an exciting encounter filled with fervor and determination.