2002–03 Honduran Liga Nacional


The 2002–03 season in the Honduran Liga Nacional was the 37th edition since the intervention of the professional league in Honduran football. The season was divided into two halves which ran from August 2002 to June 2003.

2002–03 teams

Apertura

The Apertura tournament lasted from August to December 2002, C.D. Olimpia defeated C.D. Platense in the Final to secure its 16th league title.

Regular season

Standings


Final round

Semifinals

Platense vs Real España
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Final

Platense vs Olimpia
----Olimpia won 3–2 on aggregate.
Liga Nacional
2002–03 Apertura Champion
Olimpia
16th title

Squads

Jose Gonzales

Top goalscorers

15 goals
11 goals
6 goals

Clausura

The Clausura tournament was played from February to June 2003. C.D. Marathón took revenge a year and a half later and defeated C.D. Motagua in the finals to claim its 4th league title.

Regular season

Standings


Final round

Semifinals

Olimpia vs Motagua
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  • ''Motagua won 4–2 on aggregate score.''
    Marathón vs Real España
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  • ''Marathón 2–2 Real España on aggregate score; Marathón advanced on better Regular season performance.''

Final

Marathón vs Motagua
----Marathón won 4–1 on aggregate score.
Liga Nacional
2002–03 Clausura Champion
Marathón
4th title

Top goalscorers

10 goals
8 goals
6 goals
6 goals
5 goals
4 goals
3 goals

Relegation

Relegation was determined by the aggregated table of both Apertura and Clausura tournaments. On 10 May 2003, C.D. Victoria were relegated to Liga de Ascenso, however they bought Honduras Salzburg's franchise and stayed in first division.

Controversies

During the Apertura tournament, C.D. Marathón hosted Real C.D. España on week 9, the match was played on 28 September and ended with a 0–2 away win to Real España. During halftime, Real España delayed more than 15 minutes and returned late to play the second half. Marathón alleged and the Board of Discipline annulled the game. A rematch was played on 13 October ending in a 0–0 draw. Such decision affected the final standings which resulted in Marathón owning the third place and sent Real España to fourth.