Peñarol defeated Central Español 2-1 at Estadio Campeón del Siglo on 16 August 2026 in the Clausura stage of the Primera División Apertura. The hosts took control early, with midfielder M. Olivera striking twice in consecutive minutes to establish a commanding lead. Central Español fought back through C. Jaime, who netted both of his side's goals, but could not find an equaliser despite a late surge.
Olivera opened the scoring in the 54th minute before doubling his tally a minute later, putting Peñarol ahead 2-0. Jaime pulled one back in the 69th minute and added another in the 70th, briefly giving Central Español hope of a comeback. Gandolfo's goal in the 80th minute appeared to secure the result, though the final scoreline reflects the earlier exchange.
Peñarol dominated possession at 59 per cent and registered 16 shots compared to Central Español's three. The hosts recorded eight shots on target against just one for the visitors, while attacks ran 109 to 91. Central Español managed only three corners to Peñarol's six, highlighting the imbalance in territorial control throughout the match.
Both sides received three yellow cards each, with Fernandez sent off for Peñarol in the 85th minute after two bookings. Central Español made four substitutions between the 63rd and 77th minutes in an attempt to change momentum, while Peñarol brought on Gonzalez and Rodriguez late in the game. Jaime was substituted in the 77th minute after his double strike.
The victory keeps Peñarol at the top of the table with 50 points from 26 matches, while Central Español remain eighth with 36 points. The hosts have won 15 of their 26 games this season, compared to ten victories for the visitors. Central Español's recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five matches.