Back To Life, Back To Reality

Uruguayan football’s spotlight is fully entrenched although here in the States it will be seen on tape delay. If you would like to see it live online, click here.

Well got that out of the way and now we can talk more about the task at hand. This is one of the most anticipated clásicos of the past few years as both of these country’s most popular teams are in the middle of the title battle. There is also added pressure to win for both sides as River Plate won 2-1 on Saturday against Fénix to remain a top the standings.Maybe it was my comments a few days ago that became the kiss of death. Maybe it was their attitude. Maybe it was the field. Well that is besides the point because the Uruguayan media’s incessant talk about their “lack of imagination” at the Morumbi that led to their eventual elimination.

Whatever it was, Nacional were knocked off their high horse in a matter of days. Their loss to Sao Paulo in the Copa Libertadores deflated El Bolso and are now facing the prospect of having to get off the mat quickly in order to face arch-rival Peñarol at the mythical Estadio Centenario. Add to it the fact that River Plate won in painful fashion against Fénix 2-1 and the loser of this match could be virtually out of the title race.

Meanwhile, Peñarol are on a roll and seem to be on a mission to win a title that is absent in the trophy case for almost five years. Even with their most elegant acquisitions, Peñarol seem to win their games on “balls” as of late, which is an intangible that is often thrown around in the sports scene in recent years. Yet let’s not count out Nacional as their team is just as talented as Peñarol’s. Even though they have players that are extremely talented, Peñarol still edges them out as their squad has more veterans compared to a squad that is adequately mixed with players like Bruno Fornaroli and Richard Morales.

I refuse to use any stats because this is a Clásico. There are no numbers that can tilt the scales in any way. But if we are to look at recent form, it favors the aurinegros.