Central Español lands another blow to a Peñarol that can't get back on track

Central Español delivered a significant blow to a struggling Peñarol side, securing a 1-0 victory in the Uruguayan Intermediate Tournament. The win, which came in the final match of the third round, extended Peñarol's difficult period, following their recent elimination from the Copa Libertadores.

The decisive moment arrived in the 101st minute when Lucas Pino scored a spectacular goal, sealing the win for Central Español, managed by Argentine Diego Osella. Peñarol was already at a disadvantage, having had two players, Lucas Ferreira and Eric Remedi, sent off. Additionally, forward Matías Arezo was expelled from the bench after being substituted.

This defeat halted Peñarol's streak of three consecutive victories in the Uruguayan League. The team is also reeling from a disappointing performance in the Copa Libertadores, where they finished last in their group, failing to advance to the knockout stages or secure a spot in the Copa Sudamericana.

Central Español, one of the teams promoted this season, now leads Group A of the Intermediate Tournament with six points. They are level on points with Peñarol and Cerro Largo. Other teams in the standings include Racing with five points, Liverpool with four, Boston River and Cerro with three each, and Defensor Sporting at the bottom with one point.

In another match from the same round, Liverpool defeated Boston River 1-0 with a goal from Lucas Acosta. Earlier, Racing and Defensor Sporting drew 0-0, and Cerro Largo beat Cerro 2-0. Group B sees Progreso and Montevideo City winning 2-1 against Danubio and Albion respectively, while Montevideo Wanderers thrashed Juventud 5-2. Deportivo Maldonado also secured a 3-0 win against Nacional, who are also facing a challenging period but will compete in the Copa Sudamericana next season.