Honduras Liga de Ascenso

Honduras Liga de Ascenso

Links
Wikipedia

Liga de Ascenso (Promotion League) is the second division of Honduran football; it was founded on 17 December 1979 as Segunda División (Second Division) and renamed Liga de Ascenso (Promotion League) on 21 July 2002. The league is divided into 4 groups: Zona Norte y Atlántica (North and Atlantic Zone), Zona Norte y Occidente (North and West Zone), Zona Centro y Sur (Central and South Zone), Zona Sur y Oriente (South and East Zone). The top 2 teams of each group qualifies for the liguilla (play-offs). Each season is divided into two tournaments, Apertura (opening) and Clausura (closing). The champions of the opening and closing tournament compete for the promotion to Liga Nacional de Fútbol de Honduras in a two-legged match.

Two teams are relegated to Liga Mayor de Futbol de Honduras. The last team of each group face off in a playoff (North vs North and South vs South).

History

From 1965 to 1979 the system of promotion to the Liga Nacional was ruled by the Extra-scholastic Sporting Federation of Honduras(Federación Deportiva Extraescolar de Honduras). It was played in amateur form and the champion of the Central, Southern, and Oriental zone would play against the champion of the North Western zone. The Winner was promoted to the Liga Nacional. In the first tournament of the Liga Nacional there wasn't any promoted or relegated since it was a draft tournament.

It was until 1980 when the second division was founded which nowadays it's called Liga Nacional de Ascenso de Honduras (National Promotion League of Honduras).

In that season, the league didn't have any relegated team since the players of the Honduras national football team needed to be in training at full-time. From the year on, the rules have been applied and there have been many promoted and relegated teams.

From 2004 on the league was split into two seasons, apertura (opening) and clausura (closing). Promotion is decided by a two-legged match between apertura and clausura champion. In the case of the same team being champion in both tournaments, promotion is automatic.

In 2006 Hispano was relegated from first division but they bought Valencia's category in the league; this situation has occurred with other teams. In 2002 Victoria were relegated but acquired Honduras Salzburg's spot.

In 2009 Atletico Gualala earned promotion but decided to merge with that year's relegated club, Real Juventud and kept their history. In 2003 Real Maya merged with Patepluma to form Real Patepluma.

The Honduras Liga de Ascenso is a highly anticipated soccer tournament held annually in Honduras. It is considered one of the most prestigious and competitive soccer leagues in the country, serving as a stepping stone for teams aspiring to reach the top-tier Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional de Honduras.

The tournament features a thrilling display of skill, passion, and determination from the participating teams. It showcases the immense talent and potential of both established and emerging soccer clubs in Honduras. The Liga de Ascenso provides a platform for these teams to showcase their abilities and compete for promotion to the Liga Nacional, where they can face off against the country's top teams.

Throughout the tournament, fans are treated to an exhilarating display of soccer prowess, as teams battle it out on the field to secure victories and climb up the league standings. The matches are characterized by intense rivalries, fierce competition, and a strong sense of national pride.

The Liga de Ascenso also serves as a breeding ground for young talents, providing them with an opportunity to shine and catch the attention of scouts and talent spotters. Many players who have made a name for themselves in the Liga Nacional have emerged from the ranks of the Liga de Ascenso, further highlighting the significance of this tournament in the development of Honduran soccer.

The tournament is played across various stadiums in Honduras, attracting a passionate and dedicated fan base. The atmosphere in the stadiums is electric, with fans chanting, singing, and waving flags to support their favorite teams. The Liga de Ascenso has become a cultural phenomenon in Honduras, bringing communities together and fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.

Overall, the Honduras Liga de Ascenso is a thrilling and highly competitive soccer tournament that showcases the best of Honduran soccer talent. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for teams aspiring to reach the top-tier Liga Nacional, while also providing fans with an unforgettable soccer experience filled with excitement, passion, and national pride.