MONTEVIDEO (Interstat) — Nacional defeated Rentistas 3-0 on Thursday at Estadio Gran Parque Central, scoring all three goals after a scoreless opening stretch and keeping the visiting side off the scoreboard. The home victory gave Nacional a winning start in the competition and continued its unbeaten run across all competitions. Rentistas, meanwhile, remained without a win in the competition after a road loss. Nacional’s three goals came from three different scorers, with each player finding the net once.

Nacional took the lead in the 40th minute when Agustin Rogel scored. The goal arrived before halftime and sent the home side into the break with a 1-0 advantage. Rogel’s finish was the only goal of the first half, and it gave Nacional the lead after a period in which the hosts worked to break down Rentistas. Rentistas entered the interval needing to respond in the second half. Nacional carried its narrow lead into the locker room and returned for the second half with the advantage intact.

After halftime, Nacional continued to press for a second goal. Tomas Veron Lupi delivered it in the 64th minute, doubling the lead and putting the home side in control. The goal left Rentistas needing two goals to equalize and forced the visitors to take more risks as the match moved into its final half-hour. Rentistas searched for a way back into the game, but Nacional’s defense held firm. Veron Lupi’s goal gave Nacional a 2-0 lead and increased the pressure on the visitors.

Ruben Botta added the third goal in the 74th minute, effectively sealing the result. Botta’s strike made it 3-0 and gave Nacional a cushion that Rentistas could not overcome. Rogel, Veron Lupi and Botta each finished with one goal. The three scorers were among the players who completed the full match. Nacional’s goals came in the 40th, 64th and 74th minutes. No further goals were scored after Botta’s finish.

Nacional finished the game with 10 men after a red card in the 90th minute. The dismissal came late, with the outcome already settled, and Rentistas could not take advantage before the final whistle. Rentistas finished with no goals, while Nacional recorded a shutout. The clean sheet added to a home result that was decided well before the closing stages. The red card was the only dismissal of the match. The closing minutes passed without another goal from Rentistas.

The result left Nacional at 1-0 in this competition and 3-0 across all competitions. Rentistas dropped to 0-1 in the competition and 1-2 overall. Nacional’s competition record remained perfect, while Rentistas remained without a win in the competition. The match was played at Estadio Gran Parque Central in Montevideo, where Nacional made the most of its home surroundings. Nacional’s overall record stayed unblemished after the victory.

Nacional entered the game after wins over Central Esp. and Montevideo City. Rentistas had beaten Huracan and lost at Paysandu FC in its previous matches. Rentistas next hosts Atenas in Segunda División play. The schedule gives Rentistas another opportunity to respond after the road loss. Nacional will look to build on the home victory in its next competition match. The win continued Nacional’s strong start to the season across all competitions.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Nacional 2, Rentistas 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Nacional with a 95.9 percent probability to win. Nacional had been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1. The total score of 3 went under the over/under line of 2.5. The final score projections were made before kickoff.