Florida, Uruguay – Nacional, the reigning champions of Uruguayan football, begin their defense of the title with an away match against Boston River on . The match, kicking off at at the Estadio Campeones Olímpicos, marks the opening of the Torneo Apertura.
The encounter carries particular significance for Nacional’s coach, Jadson Viera, who previously managed Boston River, propelling the club to prominence. He now returns to Florida as the leader of one of Uruguay’s most storied institutions, tasked with securing another championship title for Los Tricolores.
Nacional enters the match with several key absences. Gonzalo Carneiro and Ignacio Suárez are both unavailable due to suspensions stemming from red cards received during the recent Supercopa Uruguaya clash against Peñarol. Adding to the team’s challenges, Nicolás López has been ruled out due to lumbar discomfort and did not travel with the squad.
Viera is expected to implement a tactical shift, moving from a 4-3-1-2 formation to a 4-4-2 setup. This change will be reflected in the starting lineup, with Federico Bais, Tomás Verón Lupi and Maximiliano Silvera all expected to feature. These players will replace Juan Pablo Patiño, López, and Carneiro respectively.
The probable Nacional lineup consists of Luis Mejía in goal, with Emiliano Ancheta, Sebastián Coates, Julián Millán, and Federico Bais forming the defense. The midfield is anticipated to include Tomás Verón Lupi, Christian Oliva, Luciano Boggio, and Juan Cruz de los Santos, supporting the attacking duo of Maximiliano Gómez and Maximiliano Silvera.
Boston River, meanwhile, are coming off a strong showing in the Copa de la Liga AUF, where they reached the final before falling to Progreso. The team has undergone significant roster changes, adding ten new players in preparation for the Apertura tournament. Israel Damonte leads the Boston River side.
Boston River’s expected starting eleven features Bruno Antúnez in goal, with Juan Acosta, Marco Mancebo, Mateo Rivero, and Fredy Martínez in defense. The midfield is projected to include Francisco Barrios, Agustín Amado, and Facundo Muñoa, supporting the attacking trio of Gastón Ramírez, Leandro Suhr, and Francisco Bonfiglio.
The match will be broadcast live on all cable networks in Uruguay and streamed via Disney+ and VTV on Antel TV, ensuring widespread access for fans across the country. The game represents not only the start of the Apertura tournament but also a test of Nacional’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain their dominance in Uruguayan football.
Nacional’s success in 2025, culminating in a championship victory, has set high expectations for the current season. The club aims to build upon that momentum and establish a sustained period of success under Viera’s leadership. However, the early-season challenges, including key player absences and a tactical adjustment, will require the team to demonstrate resilience and adaptability.
For Boston River, the match presents an opportunity to make a statement against the reigning champions. Their revamped squad and ambitious approach suggest they are determined to challenge the established order in Uruguayan football. A positive result against Nacional would provide a significant boost to their confidence and set the tone for their campaign.
The Estadio Campeones Olímpicos in Florida is familiar territory for Jadson Viera, adding another layer of intrigue to the encounter. His prior experience managing the club could provide valuable insights into the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses. However, Viera will be focused on guiding Nacional to victory and securing a positive start to their title defense.
The Apertura tournament is structured to determine the champion of the first half of the season, with the winner qualifying for the overall championship playoff at the end of the year. The competition is expected to be fiercely contested, with Nacional and Peñarol widely considered the frontrunners. However, teams like Boston River are eager to disrupt the traditional power structure and make their mark on the league.
The absence of Gonzalo Carneiro is a significant blow to Nacional’s attacking options. The forward has been a key contributor in recent seasons, and his suspension will require Viera to find a suitable replacement. Maximiliano Silvera’s inclusion in the starting lineup suggests the coach is placing faith in the new signing to deliver a strong performance.
The match between Boston River and Nacional is more than just a football game; it is a clash of ambitions, a test of tactical prowess, and a showcase of Uruguayan footballing talent. The outcome will have implications for both teams’ championship aspirations and will set the stage for an exciting Apertura tournament.
