In a thrilling clash on matchday 7 of the Apertura, Peñarol showcased their strength by defeating Cerro 3-1 at the Estadio Campeón del Siglo. Matías Arezo opened the scoring with a powerful shot in the 17th minute, quickly followed by Luis Angulo, who doubled the lead just eight minutes later.
Cerro managed to respond just before halftime, with Cristian Barros converting a penalty in the 45th minute, bringing the score to 2-1 and sparking hopes for a comeback. However, Peñarol sealed the deal late in the game with Nicolás Fernández scoring another penalty in the 90th minute, ensuring a comfortable 3-1 finish.
Matías Arezo was undoubtedly the standout player, contributing significantly by scoring a goal and taking five shots on target. Additionally, Leonardo Fernández played a crucial role, also attempting five shots at goal.
Eduardo Darias made a memorable impression with a dazzling nutmeg on his marker at the 35-minute mark of the first half.
Under the guidance of coach Diego Aguirre, Peñarol deployed a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Sebastián Britos in goal, with a defensive line consisting of Franco Escobar, Lucas Ferreira, Mauricio Lemos, and Maximiliano Olivera. The midfield was anchored by Eduardo Darias, Eric Remedi, Nicolás Fernández, Luis Angulo, and Leonardo Fernández, with Matías Arezo leading the attack.
Cerro, managed by Álvaro Pintos, also opted for a 4-5-1 setup, with Fabrizio Correa in goal, supported by Damián Suárez, Alejo Macelli, Facundo Butti, and Gianni Rodríguez in defense. Their midfield included Agustín Miranda, Emiliano Sosa, Emanuel Carlos, Cristian Barros, and Nahuel Sena, while Augusto Cambón took charge as the lone striker.
Referee Andrés Matonte officiated the match at the Estadio Campeón del Siglo.
Looking ahead, Peñarol is set to face Boston River away in the next match, while Cerro will host Juventud.
With this victory, Peñarol climbs to 16 points, holding the second position on the league table, while Cerro remains with just 2 points, sitting at the sixteenth spot.
Substitutions for Peñarol
45’ 2T – Luis Angulo out for Kevin Rodriguez, Emiliano Sosa out for Jairo Amaro.
58’ 2T – Eduardo Darias out for Leandro Umpierrez, Mauricio Lemos out for Emanuel Gularte.
79’ 2T – Leonardo Fernández out for Stiven Muhletaler, Matías Arezo out for Facundo Batista.
Yellow Cards for Peñarol:
44’ 1T – Eric Remedi (Insulting the referee), 4’ 2T – Kevin Rodriguez (Unsporting behavior), 32’ 2T – Nicolás Fernández (Unsporting behavior).
Red Card for Peñarol:
43’ 1T – Maximiliano Olivera (Direct red).
Substitutions for Cerro
26’ 1T – Nahuel Sena out for Alejandro Severo.
61’ 2T – Emanuel Carlos out for Brahian Alemán.
74’ 2T – Augusto Cambón out for Santiago Paiva.
Yellow Cards for Cerro:
29’ 1T – Agustín Miranda (Unsporting behavior), 5’ 2T – Emanuel Carlos (Unsporting behavior), 14’ 2T – Alejandro Severo (Unsporting behavior), 25’ 2T – Augusto Cambón (Unsporting behavior), 26’ 2T – Cristian Barros (Holding the opponent to impede advancement), 44’ 2T – Damián Suárez, 47’ 2T – Jairo Amaro (Unsporting behavior).
Red Card for Cerro:
38’ 1T – Agustín Miranda (Second yellow).