Peñarol Faces Challenges After Red Card and Injuries in Recent Match

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Peñarol‘s recent match against Wanderers at Parque Viera on April 19, 2025, took a dramatic turn when forward Jaime Báez received a red card in the 51st minute, marking his second ejection in just four outings. The dismissal left Peñarol with only ten players as they fought back to win the match 2-1.

Báez was sent off after a challenge for the ball with Wanderers’ goalkeeper Mauro Silveira. He raised his leg high and made contact, resulting in immediate action from referee Javier Burgos, who issued the red card. Despite a review from VAR, Burgos upheld his decision, forcing Báez to leave the pitch. This incident not only impacted the team’s performance but also reflected a troubling trend for the player.

Earlier this season, Báez was similarly sent off during a match against Cerro Largo, adding to concerns regarding his discipline on the field. After serving a suspension, he returned to play against Miramar Misiones before facing another dismissal against Wanderers, raising questions for coach Diego Aguirre.

Diego Aguirre, Peñarol’s coach, praised the team’s resilience after the match. He expressed pride in how his squad managed to secure victory while down a player. “It was a complicated match. We played well initially, but the expulsion changes everything. Nevertheless, the team went out to win, and we deserved it,” Aguirre said, emphasizing the importance of the win for the team’s morale moving forward.

He further noted the mental boost this victory provides, stating, “This is significant for us. We’re in a process of improvement, and we must focus on the future. Four consecutive wins give us strength, and every point counts in the long season.”

The match also saw the unfortunate exit of young defender Juan Rodríguez, who suffered a muscle strain in the adductor area during the first half. Aguirre confirmed Rodríguez will miss the upcoming match against Olimpia in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, stating, “He had a muscular issue and will need a few days to recover. We will look for the best option to replace him.”

Rodríguez’s injury is a setback for Peñarol, as he has been performing at a high level in recent games. Following his substitution, Maxi Olivera took to the field and wore the captain’s armband, demonstrating the depth of the club’s talent amid player absences.

As Peñarol prepares for their next fixtures, the coaching staff is carefully evaluating the physical condition of their players. Aguirre acknowledged the heavy physical toll the match against Wanderers took on his team, emphasizing the need for strategic planning moving forward. “We’re taking it game by game, and with the demands of this match, we need to assess who can contribute next week,” he added.