Santiago Benítez scores in 93rd minute as Wanderers draw 1-1 with Nacional in the Clausura

There was almost nothing left on the clock. The match seemed headed for a flat draw, the kind that leaves a bitter taste when the opponent is a big club. Then Santiago Benítez showed up to change the ending entirely.

In the 93rd minute, with time running out on Wanderers, the midfielder picked up the ball near the box, set his body and unleashed a shot that will stick in the memory: a right footed strike that flew straight into the top corner, giving goalkeeper Luis Mejía no chance whatsoever. That was how the match ended 1-1 between Montevideo Wanderers and Nacional, in matchday 6 of the Torneo Clausura, played at Parque Alfredo Víctor Viera.

What makes the story stand out is who scored it. Benítez came up through Peñarol's youth system and joined Wanderers not long ago, after leaving the black and gold club as a free agent. Scoring against Nacional carries that extra edge of classic rivalry that feels different from any other match in Uruguay.

The midfielder didn't hide his emotion after the final whistle. He explained what that goal meant to him, beyond the result.

I have my past at Peñarol, this was a special match for me. A lot of people close to me were probably very happy, but today I play for the Wanderers fans. Sometimes chances don't come at a big club, but things happen for a reason. Soccer gives you a second chance.Santiago Benítez

The point carries a value that goes beyond the standings. Wanderers struggled, as often happens when the opponent has star names up front, but managed to hang on until finding the reward in the match's final play. Benítez was the first to admit it wasn't all down to his own doing.

You also need a bit of luck, but I'm really happy. It was a very tough match, at times we had to grind it out, but we knew it would be like that. Today it fell to me, and it helped the team pick up a great point.Santiago Benítez

A point that looks ahead

Beyond the story of the great goal, the draw leaves something for the Bohemian locker room to build on. Facing Nacional is never easy, especially with an opponent that has heavyweight attacking players. Benítez was clear about what this result means looking toward the second half of the championship.

"We knew it would be tough, they have very good players up front, but we handled it well and we're taking away a valuable draw that will help us with the finals we have coming up. We need good energy and a positive atmosphere, and what happened today helps a lot with that," the midfielder added after the match.

For Wanderers, matchday 6 of the Clausura leaves a special taste: they didn't win, but they didn't lose to one of the big clubs either, and they did it with a goal that will stand as one of the best memories of the season for the midfielder who now wears the Bohemian jersey.