Uruguay Primera Division Report: Week 10 (Oct 14-15)
Penarol remain top of the Uruguayan Apertura championship despite goalless draw with Cerro.
Penarol tied with Cerro at the Centenario stadium
With the conclusion of Round 10 of the Uruguayan Apertura championship, five teams are still in the running to win the title. Penarol failed to increase their lead atop the league standings against second-placed Cerro, after a dull goalless draw, while arch-rivals Nacional are still alive after claiming a comfortable victory against El Tanque.
The other winners of the round were River Plate, Danubio, Defensor Sporting and Bella Vista, which all claimed maximum points on the road. From the pack only River and Danubio have realistic chances of catching up to leaders Penarol.
The other winners of the round were River Plate, Danubio, Defensor Sporting and Bella Vista, which all claimed maximum points on the road. From the pack only River and Danubio have realistic chances of catching up to leaders Penarol.
 | Nacional 3 - 0 El Tanque Sisley |  |
Estadio Gran Parque Central (Montevideo), Friday October 14th, 6:15PM EST
Nacional continued with their recent revival under Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo, with a comfortable 3-0 victory over El Tanque on Friday. Backed by 20,000 fans at the Parque Central stadium, Nacional dominated from the beginning to the end, with exciting free-flowing soccer that proved too much for the visitors.
Nacional's goals were scored by Alexander Medina in the first half and by Mathias Abero and Tabare Viudez in the second. The Uruguayan champions climbed into fourth-place with 19 points, and are still in contention for the title.
Nacional's goals were scored by Alexander Medina in the first half and by Mathias Abero and Tabare Viudez in the second. The Uruguayan champions climbed into fourth-place with 19 points, and are still in contention for the title.
 | Cerro 0 - 0 Peñarol |  |
Estadio Centenario, Montevideo (Montevideo), Saturday October 15th, 3:00PM EST
Uruguayan giants Penarol maintained their lead in the Apertura championship, despite being held to a frustrating goalless draw by Cerro at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo on Saturday.
More than 35,000 fans witnessed a match in which Penarol were outplayed for great part as Cerro, second on the table, one point behind Penarol, looked to leap above Los Aurinegros. Cerro were far superior than their opponents, however, they failed to capitalise on the numerous opportunities which they created.
Penarol, who have 24 points from ten games, rarely threatened Cerro, despite counting with the league's second leading scorer, former Juventus striker Marcelo Zalayeta. Both Zalayeta and strike-partner Santiago Silva were left isolated up-front, as Penarol's usually-creative midfield failed to provide them with adequate service throughout the game.
The two most clear opportunities of the match fell to Cerro striker Gustavo Varela in the first half. In the 14th minute he was sent through on goal but had his effort saved by goalkeeper Fabian Carini. Minutes later it seemed that he had beaten the former Juventus and Inter Milan goalkeeper, however, his long-range drive flashed inches wide of the post.
Penarol, finalists of the 2011 Copa Libertadores, are still on track to win the title, but they can't afford to let anymore points slip away from them, as Cerro, River Plate, Nacional and Danubio are all lurking patiently behind their heels.
OTHER MATCHES...
Danubio came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 in Belvedere with two goals from Alvaro Mello, while River Plate beat Fenix by the same score, thanks to a Gabriel Leyes double. Meanwhile, the clash between Wanderers and Defensor Sporting was suspended with Defensor winning 2-0. Referee Heber Rodriguez decided to suspend the match in the 62nd minute due to security reasons, provoked by both sets of fans.
Finally, on Sunday Bella Vista beat Rampla Juniors 1-0, Rentistas drew 1-1 with Racing and Cerrito and Cerro Largo fought out a goalless draw.
More than 35,000 fans witnessed a match in which Penarol were outplayed for great part as Cerro, second on the table, one point behind Penarol, looked to leap above Los Aurinegros. Cerro were far superior than their opponents, however, they failed to capitalise on the numerous opportunities which they created.
Penarol, who have 24 points from ten games, rarely threatened Cerro, despite counting with the league's second leading scorer, former Juventus striker Marcelo Zalayeta. Both Zalayeta and strike-partner Santiago Silva were left isolated up-front, as Penarol's usually-creative midfield failed to provide them with adequate service throughout the game.
The two most clear opportunities of the match fell to Cerro striker Gustavo Varela in the first half. In the 14th minute he was sent through on goal but had his effort saved by goalkeeper Fabian Carini. Minutes later it seemed that he had beaten the former Juventus and Inter Milan goalkeeper, however, his long-range drive flashed inches wide of the post.
Penarol, finalists of the 2011 Copa Libertadores, are still on track to win the title, but they can't afford to let anymore points slip away from them, as Cerro, River Plate, Nacional and Danubio are all lurking patiently behind their heels.
OTHER MATCHES...
Danubio came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 in Belvedere with two goals from Alvaro Mello, while River Plate beat Fenix by the same score, thanks to a Gabriel Leyes double. Meanwhile, the clash between Wanderers and Defensor Sporting was suspended with Defensor winning 2-0. Referee Heber Rodriguez decided to suspend the match in the 62nd minute due to security reasons, provoked by both sets of fans.
Finally, on Sunday Bella Vista beat Rampla Juniors 1-0, Rentistas drew 1-1 with Racing and Cerrito and Cerro Largo fought out a goalless draw.
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