This Wednesday, Nacional delivered a commanding performance, defeating Juventud 4-1 in the fifth round of Group B of the Intermedio tournament. The home team found the net through Exequiel Mereles (17’ 1H), Gabriel Báez (49’ 2H), Lucas Villalba (71’ 2H), and Iván Rodrigo Rodriguez (own goal, 28’ 1H). Agustín Rodríguez managed to score a consolation goal for Juventud from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.
Jeopardizing the chance to narrow the gap, Juventud’s Agustín Rodríguez struck the post at the 70-minute mark, denying them a crucial second goal.
Nicolás López emerged as the standout player, showcasing his talent with six shots on target throughout the match. Exequiel Mereles also had a commendable performance, scoring once and attempting two additional shots.
Nacional’s head coach, Pablo Peirano, opted for a 4-4-2 formation, fielding Ignacio Suárez in goal; with Lucas Morales, Sebastián Coates, Julian Millan, and Gabriel Báez forming the back line; Rómulo Otero, Luciano Boggio, Christian Oliva, and Exequiel Mereles in midfield; and Nicolás López alongside Gonzalo Petit in attack.
On the other hand, Juventud, led by Diego Monarriz, adopted a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Sebastián Sosa in goal; with Federico Barrandeguy, Ángel Morosini, Alex Maizon Rodriguez, and Emmanuel Mas in defense; Iván Rossi, Facundo Perez, Iván Rodrigo Rodriguez, Jonathan Urretaviscaya, and Thomas Rodríguez controlling the midfield; and Agustín Rodríguez in the front line.
The match was officiated by referee Mathías De Armas at Estadio Gran Parque Central.
Looking ahead, Nacional will face Miramar Misiones away, while Juventud will host Danubio in their next fixtures.
Substitutions for Nacional
59’ 2H – Gonzalo Petit out, Diego Herazo in
66’ 2H – Exequiel Mereles out, Jeremía Recoba in; Rómulo Otero out, Lucas Villalba in
82’ 2H – Christian Oliva out, Yonathan Rodríguez in; Nicolás López out, Mauricio Pereyra in
Yellow Cards for Nacional:
24’ 1H – Sebastián Coates (Unsporting behavior)
46’ 1H – Rómulo Otero (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Juventud
45’ 2H – Iván Rodrigo Rodriguez out, Ramiro Peralta in; Thomas Rodríguez out, Bruno Larregui in
62’ 2H – Facundo Perez out, Pablo Lago in
78’ 2H – Jonathan Urretaviscaya out, Juan Martín Boselli in; Emmanuel Mas out, Nahuel Gómez in
Yellow Cards for Juventud:
20’ 1H – Iván Rossi (Unsporting behavior)
37’ 1H – Facundo Perez (Unsporting behavior)