ASUNCION (Interstat) — Jorge Recalde scored twice and visiting Guarani defeated Rubio Nu 2-0 on Friday in a league match. Guarani scored both goals in a decisive stretch around halftime and held Rubio Nu scoreless. Guarani improved to 1-1-2 in the competition and 1-1-2 across all competitions. Rubio Nu dropped to 1-2-2 in the competition and 1-2-2 across all competitions.

Recalde was the central figure in the result. He opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, finishing the key chance of a tight first half and giving Guarani a lead just before the break. Two minutes into the second half, Recalde struck again in the 47th minute, doubling Guarani’s advantage and changing the shape of the match. Recalde played 75 minutes and finished with two goals. Imanol Segovia recorded an assist for Guarani.

The first half was compact, with few clear openings before Recalde’s goal. Guarani’s goal in the 42nd minute gave the visitors a halftime advantage. Rubio Nu tried to respond after the restart, but Recalde’s second goal in the 47th minute came before the home side could settle.

Guarani entered the match after a 2-0 loss to Nacional Asuncion, a 2-2 draw at Libertad Asuncion and a 1-1 draw with San Lorenzo. Rubio Nu entered after a 1-0 loss at Recoleta, a 0-0 draw with Olimpia Asuncion, a 2-1 win at Ameliano and a 2-2 draw with 2 de Mayo. The visitors carried the better rhythm into the attacking third and converted their best chances while Rubio Nu struggled to finish its opportunities.

Rubio Nu’s task grew more difficult after conceding the second goal. The home side made changes after halftime, with substitutions at the 46th minute for Montiel, the 56th minute for Mendieta and Rojas, and the 69th minute for Ruiz Diaz and Fretes. Those moves gave Rubio Nu fresh options, but the hosts could not find a response. Guarani’s back line protected the lead and kept Rubio Nu from cutting into the deficit. Rubio Nu’s substitutions were designed to add energy in midfield and attack, but Guarani’s compact block limited space between the lines.

Guarani also made use of its bench. Recalde came off in the 75th minute after his two-goal performance. Fernandez D. followed in the 76th minute, Fernandez F. and Anasco came on in the 81st minute, and Martinez entered in the 88th minute. Guarani managed the closing stages without conceding, preserving the clean sheet and the two-goal margin.

The match included two yellow cards, both for Guarani. Allende was booked in the 27th minute, and Mendez was cautioned in the 73rd minute. Rubio Nu was unable to take advantage of the set-piece and possession chances that followed, and Guarani’s defensive organization held through the final whistle. The home side pushed more players forward in the closing minutes, but Guarani kept its shape and cleared the danger.

The result gave Guarani its first win in the competition this season, while Rubio Nu remained on one win. Guarani’s record in the competition and across all competitions now stands at 1-1-2. Rubio Nu’s record in the competition and across all competitions now stands at 1-2-2. Guarani produced the decisive plays in both halves and maintained its advantage after the second goal. The clean sheet underlined Guarani’s control after the second goal, while Rubio Nu was left to rue missed chances.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Rubio Nu 2, Guarani 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Rubio Nu with a 78.7 percent probability to win. Guarani had been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -0.5. The total score of 2 went over the over/under line of 2.5.