MANAGUA, Nicaragua – A second half header from Denil Maldonado was enough to push Motagua of Honduras past Nicaragua’s Managua FC in the first leg of the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf League Round of 16 on Tuesday night at the Nicaraguan National Football Stadium in Managua.

Motagua enjoyed a good start and it collected a key away goal in the 19’ when a deep cross from the right was redirected into net by Managua DF Rigoberto Fuentes for a 1-0 Motagua lead.

Managua would not stay down and it started carving out chances and building confidence heading into the second half.

It bore fruit in the 51’ as Pablo Gallego gathered in a ball and fired in a superb finish to bring Managua level 1-1.

But Motagua would respond and DF Maldonado would restore the Honduran club’s lead 2-1 in the 60’ by popping in a header over the arms of Managua GK Erly Mendez.

The Motagua defense took over from there to secure the away win, giving the Catrachos a healthy advantage in next week’s second leg.