In a gripping Intermedio clash, Peñarol managed to secure the title by defeating Nacional 5-3 in the penalty shootout after the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Peñarol converted all their penalty attempts, with successful strikes from David Terans, Leonardo Fernández, Leo Coelho, Stiven Muhletaler, and Leandro Umpierrez, while Nacional’s Gonzalo Carneiro missed his attempt.
Despite the absence of goals during regular play, Peñarol significantly pressured Nacional’s defense, taking a total of 19 shots, with 12 on target and 7 that missed the goal. This dominating performance highlighted their attacking prowess, although they failed to find the back of the net.
In a standout performance, Luis Mejía, Nacional’s goalkeeper, emerged as the best player of the match, making a spectacular 8 saves to keep his team in contention. Peñarol’s Martín Campaña also shone, saving 2 penalties in the shootout to aid his team’s success.
Peñarol’s coach, Diego Aguirre, opted for a 4-5-1 formation, fielding Martín Campaña in goal; Pedro Milans, Javier Méndez, Nahuel Herrera, and Maximiliano Olivera in defense; Ignacio Sosa, Eric Remedi, Javier Cabrera, Leonardo Fernández, and Diego García in midfield; and Maximiliano Silvera leading the attack.
On the other side, Nacional’s manager Pablo Peirano set his team in a 4-4-2 formation, with Luis Mejía guarding the goal; Lucas Morales, Sebastián Coates, Julian Millan, and Gabriel Báez in defense; Rómulo Otero, Christian Oliva, Luciano Boggio, and Jeremía Recoba handling midfield duties; and strikers Nicolás López and Gonzalo Petit at the forefront.
Esteban Ostojich officiated the match at the Centenario Stadium. Following the 0-0 draw in regular time, Peñarol celebrated their hard-fought victory from the penalty spot, claiming the prestigious Intermedio title.
Substitutions for Peñarol
104’ A1 – Nahuel Herrera left for Leo Coelho
105’ A1 – Ignacio Sosa was substituted for Stiven Muhletaler
58’ 2T – Diego García was replaced by David Terans
79’ 2T – Javier Cabrera was taken off for Rodrigo Pérez
99’ A1 – Maximiliano Silvera was substituted for Leandro Umpierrez
Yellow Cards for Peñarol:
36’ 1T Nahuel Herrera (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 8’ 2T Leonardo Fernández (Arguing with an opponent), 30’ 2T Eric Remedi (Unsportsmanlike conduct), and 11’ A2 Maximiliano Olivera (Holding an opponent to prevent further advance)
Red Card for Peñarol:
15’ A2 Eric Remedi (Straight red card)
Substitutions for Nacional
106’ A2 – Nicolás López was replaced by Mauricio Pereyra
62’ 2T – Gonzalo Petit was substituted for Gonzalo Carneiro and Rómulo Otero was replaced by Lucas Villalba
67’ 2T – Jeremía Recoba went off for Exequiel Mereles
90’ 2T – Lucas Morales was taken out for Emiliano Ancheta and Christian Oliva was substituted for Yonathan Rodríguez
Yellow Cards for Nacional:
40’ 1T Nicolás López (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 8’ 2T Julian Millan (Arguing with an opponent), 32’ 2T Pablo Peirano (Insulting or disapproving the referee), 34’ 2T Gonzalo Carneiro (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 42’ 2T Christian Oliva (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 47’ 2T Lucas Villalba (Unsportsmanlike conduct), and 15’ A2 Exequiel Mereles (Unsportsmanlike conduct).