to the Apertura final, losing against Motagua on penalties (5–3). However, the great work of Marathón was applauded and recognized by several journalists, hobbyists and technicians in the country for their offensive and attractive football. In the Clausura season, Marathón finished third in the regular season with 29 points, and faced Platense in the semifinals. In the first leg, Marathón won 2–1 in San Pedro Sula, with a brace from Enrique Reneau, while Platense pulled one back with a goal from Clifford Laing. In the second leg, Marathón drew 0–0 at Puerto Cortés and qualified for the final. Marathón faced Olimpia in the final, who defeated Victoria 3–2 on aggregate in the semifinals. In the first leg played at the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano, Marathón defeated Olimpia 4–1 with a penalty from Nigel Zúniga, and goals from Enrique Reneau and Óscar Vargas. In the second leg at Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino, Olimpia won 1–0, but it wasn't enough as Marathón won 4–2 on aggregate and secured a third league title. Fourth title (2003) Just after 13 months, Marathón would again win another title. In the Clausura tournament, the Esmeraldas were directed by the Brazilian Flavio Ortega. Ortega replaced the Argentine Miguel Angel Lemme, who left in the middle of the season. Flavio Ortega lifted the team to finally reach second place in the regular season (only surpassed by Olimpia). In the semi-finals, Marathón faced Real España. In the first leg both teams tied 1–1; Henry Jimenez scored first for Real España, but Pompilio Cacho drew level. Three days later in the return game, played at the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano, both sides drew 1–1 once again. Marathón entered the final, having finished higher in the regular season standings. Marathón faced Motagua in the final, with The Motagüenses having eliminated Olimpia in the semifinals. The first leg of the final was played at the Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino, and Marathón surprised to win 1–0 with a goal from Emil Martínez, who was later sent off. In the return leg, Marathón had a total number of 35,000 fans at the Olímpico Metropolitano, the second highest attendance record in the history of Liga Nacional. Motagua struck first with a goal from Luis Oseguera in the 39th minute, however Pompilio Cacho scored the equalizer at the end of the first half. In the second half, Marathón were up 2 by goals, both scored by Denilson Costa.