Nacional Asunción completed a comfortable away victory at Benjamín Aceval with a 2-0 win in the Round of 32 of the Copa Paraguay on Tuesday evening. I. Bailone scored twice to ensure the visitors progressed, finding the net in the fifth and sixty-fifth minutes respectively. The result extends the visitors' unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions.
Bailone opened the scoring early, capitalising on a defensive hesitation to slot home after just five minutes. The goal settled any nerves and allowed Nacional to control the tempo, though Benjamín Aceval refused to simply sit back. The hosts worked a short corner in the opening exchanges, searching for an equaliser but failing to trouble the goalkeeper adequately.
Nacional's second goal arrived in the sixty-fifth minute, extending their lead and effectively closing the tie. The visitors held a high line throughout, which sometimes left spaces but also allowed them to press effectively in the final third. Bailone's brace proved decisive, as the striker has been in fine form recently, contributing to the team's momentum.
Statistically, the match was evenly balanced with both teams recording 50 per cent possession. Benjamín Aceval registered 93 attacks compared to 99 for the visitors, while shots on target stood at four and five respectively. The hosts earned four yellow cards, whereas Nacional kept a clean sheet in terms of disciplinary issues.
The victory moves Nacional Asunción into the next phase of the tournament, while Benjamín Aceval's campaign comes to an end. The hosts had shown resilience in their previous matches, including a victory over Resistencia, but could not break down a composed opposition. Nacional now turn their attention to the knockout stages, where the history between teams often adds an edge to proceedings.
