Nacional draws upon return to Uruguayan Intermediate Tournament

Nacional returned to the Uruguayan Intermediate Tournament on Saturday with a goalless draw against Danubio, marking their first match since the World Cup break. The result in the fifth round of Group B leaves the Montevideo club with 10 points.

Nacional could not capitalize on group leader Deportivo Maldonado also dropping points, as Maldonado drew 1-1 with Albion. Maldonado maintains its lead with 11 points, while Nacional sits in second place. This draw marks another setback in a challenging season for Nacional, which has already seen them lose the Uruguayan Super Cup, the Apertura Classic, finish seventh in the Apertura tournament, dismiss a coach, and exit the Copa Libertadores group stage.

Several new signings debuted for Nacional, including Argentines Alexis Martín Arias and Bruno Zuculini, and Costa Rican Francisco Calvo. Conversely, coach Jorge Bava decided to exclude Nicolás 'Diente' López, Exequiel Mereles, Juan de Dios Pintado, and Gonzalo Carneiro from the squad, indicating they are not part of his plans.

Despite the squad changes, Nacional struggled to break down Danubio. The match was evenly contested in the first half, but Nacional created more chances in the second. With two rounds remaining in the group stage, Nacional faces an uphill battle to advance.