Nacional hosts Juventud brimming with confidence after derby win

Three wins in a row, including a derby victory, and now a challenge that's no small task: Juventud arrives at the Gran Parque Central with its confidence intact after knocking off one of the season's most solid teams. On Sunday, September 6, starting at 4:30 PM (Uruguay and Argentina time), Nacional hosts the side from Juventud de Las Piedras in the fifth round of the 2026 Clausura Tournament of the Uruguayan AUF League, streaming live via Disney+'s Premium Plan (South America only).

Nacional is going through a strong stretch. Under coach Daniel Carreño, the tricolor has strung together three straight wins, including a 1-0 derby victory over Peñarol at the Campeón del Siglo, a result that gave the club a major morale boost amid the title race. On top of that, Nacional beat River Plate 3-2 at Parque Saroldi in the Copa AUF Uruguay, confirming that the team is arriving in good rhythm and finding the net.

Standing in its way is a rival that won't back down. Juventud comes off a 2-0 rout of Deportivo Maldonado, one of the season's top performers, with two goals from Ramiro Peralta. That's no small detail for the Las Piedras side, which arrives with high spirits and hopes of pulling off an upset in Montevideo.

Key names in an even matchup

On Nacional's side, the list of players in good form includes Maximiliano Silvera, Gastón Martirena, Francisco Calvo and Luis Mejía, pieces that have sustained the team's recent run. For Juventud, all eyes are on Agustín Rodríguez, Agustín Alaniz, Bruno Arady and Alejo Cruz, players who give the Las Piedras squad balance and bite going forward.

The recent head-to-head record also plays a part. The last time these two met was on June 6, 2026, also at the Gran Parque Central, with Nacional winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Emiliano Ancheta and Luciano Boggio. That precedent gives the home side a bit more confidence, though in Uruguayan soccer, every match tends to be its own story.

For Nacional, a win would mean staying firmly in the upper half of the Clausura table and keeping pace with the teams fighting at the top. For Juventud, holding its own in Montevideo would be a clear sign that its strong form has been no fluke. With all that on the line, Sunday's match promises to be one of those that count double.