Guarani defeats Nacional and ends their unbeaten streak

Guarani, who recently drew with Olimpia, defeated Nacional 2-0 on Tuesday in the 11th round of the Clausura championship, ending Francisco Arce's unbeaten record. Arce had won his two previous matches as the coach of Academia.

However, Chiqui's team did not perform at their best and conceded the goals in the first half of the match. With this result, Guarani has 20 points and temporarily remains one point behind Libertad, Olimpia's runner-up. Nacional remains with 15 points, in fifth position.

THE MATCH

Aborigen had a great first half at Visera stadium, where they displayed intense football and scored two goals before halftime. In the second quarter, Rodney Redes scored the first goal for Gustavo Costas' team with a low shot that was impossible for Juan Espínola to stop (29 mins).

Before Academia could react, Jorge Morel scored the second goal for Aurinegro just three minutes after the opening. The team's captain took the opportunity, found himself unmarked near the area, and unleashed a powerful shot to extend the lead in Barrio Obrero (32 mins).

In the blink of an eye, Guarani scored the goals and made it difficult for Francisco Arce's team, who did not show their best version at the Arsenio Erico stadium.

In the second half, the home team improved their performance and spent more time in enemy territory. A free-kick from defender Victor Dávalos, close to the hour mark, forced a remarkable save from goalkeeper Jorge Bava (54 mins).

With National's attacking and high pressure, Guarani retreated a bit to protect the result and looked to counter-attack with Rodney Redes as their main weapon. Meanwhile, Chiqui Arce replaced Fernando Romero with Ernesto Álvarez to try to strengthen the attack.

However, Dos Bocas' representative defended well and did not face major difficulties in the final minutes. The next match for the winner will be away against River Plate, while the loser will host Sol de América.