Palma leads Honduras to Nations League victory over Mexico

A brace from Luis Palma on Friday carried Honduras to a 2-0 Concacaf Nations League victory over Mexico in the first leg of a quarterfinal series.

Mexico national team coach Javier Aguirre was injured by a bottle thrown from the stands after the final whistle. The coach was seen bleeding as he made his way to the locker room.

Held at Honduras' Estadio Francisco Morazan in San Pedro Sula, the home side first dealt with an early setback after midfielder Alexander López suffered an injury that forced a substitution in the 10th minute. Despite the tactical alteration, Honduras found a way to keep pace with Mexico in the rainy clash.

Along with often goading the visitors to dive into tackles that led to fouls in dangerous areas, 'La H' held Mexico to just one shot on target in the first half. Although Reinaldo Rueda's men had two shots on target of their own in response, the result remained level in the quarterfinal that sat at 0-0 by the halftime break.

Whether it be due to adjusting to the stormy conditions or seeking a more risk-taking approach, both teams were proactive in the second half.

El Tri were the first to take charge after the break. With more attacking pressure, Mexico nearly found the back of the net after winger Julián Quiñones launched a long-range shot in the 57th minute that skimmed the woodwork. Eager to make their own mark, Honduras were later revived with the additions of Yustin Arboleda and Palma off the bench.

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Moments after being substituted in, then came the game-changing moment from Palma. After pouncing on a rebounded shot from Edwin Rodriguez, Palma struck the ball past Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the 64th minute to make it 1-0. With momentum now in his team's favor, the Celtic forward was far from done.

In the 83rd minute, Palma confidently dribbled down the left flank, cut inside, and then sent another shot past Ochoa -- thereby making it 2-0. Desperate to make an impact, Aguirre brought on two strikers as substitutes, but failed to change the result that was cemented at the final whistle.

After tonight's meeting in Honduras, both sides will travel to Toluca for the second leg of the Nations League quarterfinal that will be hosted by Mexico on Nov. 19.

The aggregate score from the two matches will determine a place in next spring's semifinal round and also the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup tournament.

The losers of the quarterfinal series have a second chance at Gold Cup qualification through a preliminary competition. Away goals are set as the first tiebreaker in the upcoming second leg, and if still level, two halves of extra time follow. If needed, penalties will decide the winners of the quarterfinal.

Neither country has yet to lift a Nations League title. While Honduras' best position in the competition was at third in 2021, Mexico have fallen just short of a trophy as finalists in 2021 and 2024.