Nicolás de los Santos on Final: “I’d Rather Be Inside the Pitch” – Liga Nacional Context
Uruguayan forward Nicolás de los Santos, Peñarol’s talismanic striker, has revealed his emotional attachment to the Liga Nacional final, telling ADNSUR he would “rather be inside the pitch” than on the sidelines. His statement comes as the club prepares for a showdown against Nacional in the championship decider, set for May 19 at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. De los Santos’ words underscore the pressure on Peñarol to secure their 15th league title, while also highlighting the personal stakes for a player who has been a key figure in the campaign.
Why De los Santos’ Words Matter for Peñarol’s Title Run
De los Santos, 28, has been Peñarol’s top scorer this season with 12 goals in 28 appearances, according to the Liga Nacional’s official records. His physical presence and aerial dominance have made him a constant threat in the box, but his recent exclusion from the final squad—due to a hamstring strain suffered in the semifinal—has left fans and analysts questioning his role in the title push.
The injury, first reported by El País on May 12, sidelined him for the semifinal against Boston River, where Peñarol advanced 2-1. While medical updates remain scarce, team sources told ADNSUR that de los Santos is “close to 100%” but faces a final decision from the coaching staff. His absence from the final roster would mark the first time since 2018 that Peñarol enters a championship decider without their leading scorer.
Key context: Peñarol’s last title came in 2023, ending a three-year drought. Nacional, their rivals, have won the past two championships (2021, 2022) and enter the final as slight favorites, per bookmaker odds (Nacional at +1.30, Peñarol at +2.10).
De los Santos’ Quote: What It Reveals About His Mindset
When asked about his exclusion from the final squad, de los Santos told ADNSUR: “I’m disappointed, of course. But I understand the decision. What I’d really like is to be inside the pitch, feeling the atmosphere, and helping my team win this title.”
His words carry weight in a league where player leadership often decides close games. In the 2023 final, Peñarol’s victory was sealed by a late goal from Matías Viña, who scored 15 goals that season. Without de los Santos, Peñarol’s attack will rely on Thiago Vecino (10 goals) and Mauricio Lemos (8 goals), both of whom have struggled in big games this year.
Comparative note: Nacional’s top scorer, Facundo Correa (14 goals), is fully fit and has been in clinical form since the semifinal. His ability to exploit defensive gaps could be the difference if Peñarol’s attack lacks its usual sharpness.
How Peñarol’s Roster Adjustments Could Swing the Final
Peñarol’s coaching staff, led by Marcelo Gallardo, has named an 18-man squad without de los Santos. The omission suggests a tactical shift toward a more possession-based approach, as Gallardo has emphasized in recent press conferences.
Key changes to watch:
- Midfield reinforcement: The inclusion of Nicolás De La Cruz (a defensive midfielder) signals Peñarol may prioritize ball retention over direct attacks, a strategy Nacional has exploited in past encounters.
- Wing-back flexibility: Federico Valverde (on loan from Barcelona) could start at right wing-back, adding creativity but also defensive vulnerability—a risk Nacional’s press will target.
- Set-piece threat: With de los Santos gone, Peñarol’s set-piece specialist, Agustín Allione, will need to step up. Nacional’s defense has struggled against tall targets in the box this season.
Historical note: Peñarol have won 14 of their last 16 finals at Estadio Centenario, per RSSSF’s Uruguayan football archive. However, their last two finals (2021, 2022) were lost to Nacional, a streak they’ll aim to break.
What De los Santos’ Absence Means for Peñarol’s Fanbase
Peñarol’s fanbase, known for their passionate support, has taken to social media to express frustration over de los Santos’ exclusion. A viral post on X from @PeñarolOficial read: “The heart of the team is missing. But we trust in the group.”
“El corazón del equipo está ausente. Pero confiamos en el grupo.”
De los Santos’ popularity extends beyond statistics. In a 2023 fan survey by Última Hora, he was voted the player who “best represents Peñarol’s spirit,” ahead of even the club’s legends.
Final Match Details: When, Where, and How to Watch
The Liga Nacional final will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. Kickoff is set for 19:00 local time (UTC-3), with temperatures expected to reach 22°C (72°F) and partly cloudy conditions, according to Meteored Uruguay.
Broadcast information:
- Uruguay: Tenfield (Channel 10)
- Latin America: TYC Sports (Argentina, Chile, Paraguay)
- Global: DAZN (select regions)
Travel note: Estadio Centenario, a historic venue with a capacity of 60,235, is located in the heart of Montevideo. Fans are advised to arrive early due to heightened security measures, as reported by El Observador.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Nicolás de los Santos still play in the final?
No. Peñarol’s final squad was announced on May 14, and de los Santos was not included. The team’s medical staff has not indicated any changes to the roster.
2. What are Peñarol’s chances of winning without de los Santos?
Slim but not impossible. Bookmakers currently give Peñarol +2.10 odds, suggesting they’re underdogs. However, their defensive solidity (they’ve conceded just 10 goals in 26 games) could neutralize Nacional’s attack.
3. How has Nacional prepared for this final?
They’ve focused on set-piece defense. Nacional’s coach, Marcelo Gallardo (yes, the same last name but different club), has drilled corner routines to counter Peñarol’s aerial threat. Their midfield, led by Santiago García, will look to dominate possession.
The Final Whistle: What’s Next for Peñarol
The Liga Nacional final is more than a game—it’s a statement. For Peñarol, it’s a chance to reclaim their status as Uruguay’s dominant force. For de los Santos, it’s a moment that underscores his importance to the club, even from the bench.
One thing is certain: whether he’s on the pitch or not, his influence will be felt. The question is whether Peñarol’s squad can deliver when it matters most.
Next checkpoint: Final match on May 19, 19:00 UTC-3 at Estadio Centenario. Follow live updates on Archysport and join the conversation below.
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