The Nacional team won with a score of 3-1 against Peñarol in a preseason match, which, although categorized as friendly, was full of intensity and emotion. The match was part of the Río de la Plata Series and took place at the Estadio Centenario, being a classic of Uruguayan football.
After the third goal scored by Nacional, the young midfielder Alexander Dos Santos, only 16 years old, celebrated towards the Peñarol fans, which triggered the anger of Javier Méndez. The latter reacted by grabbing Dos Santos by the neck and pushing him from behind, creating a moment of tension in the match.
The situation did not escalate thanks to the intervention of other players from both teams, who approached to calm the spirits and prevent a larger fight. Although the encounter lacked official significance as it was in the preseason stage, the rivalry between Nacional and Peñarol always creates moments of high intensity in Uruguayan football.
