Motagua Eliminates Municipal From Concacaf Cup With 1-1 Draw

CSD Municipal was eliminated from the 2026 Concacaf Central American Cup after a 1-1 draw against Honduran side FC Motagua at the Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera on Tuesday night.

The result secures Motagua's fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament's quarterfinals, while the Guatemalan hosts fell short of advancing past the group stage.

Motagua opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a goal by Uruguayan forward Rodrigo de Olivera. Despite sustained pressure from Municipal, the hosts equalized in the 76th minute when Erik López scored with a header.

The final minutes of the match were played under heavy rain. Municipal introduced Roberto Altán to bolster the attack, but Motagua's defensive structure held firm through five minutes of stoppage time.

Prior to the decisive Group D match, Municipal head coach Mario Acevedo emphasized the importance of analyzing the Honduran team's tactical approach.

"It is a team that attacks you, that has good possession, in general terms, a very well-balanced team. But it also has its flaws, we have studied them quite well," said Acevedo.

The Nicaraguan strategist acknowledged the physical demands of international competition and the need for his squad to improve their aggressiveness on the pitch.

"In order for us to compete at both national and international levels, we must keep the intensity very high. If there were some matches where we lacked more aggressiveness, we have tried to mark and prioritize those details that can make us different on the field," stated Acevedo.

Acevedo had expressed confidence in his team's preparation and urged the fans to support their bid for advancement.

"We have to believe in our arguments, which have brought us here with that real possibility of qualifying. We have our resources to achieve qualification and tomorrow we have to do it," expressed Acevedo.

Recognizing the high stakes for both clubs, the coach viewed the group stage finale as a knockout-style encounter.

"It is a match where practically for both teams qualification is being disputed," noted Acevedo.