Historic Football League Title

Montevideo, Uruguay (December 4, 2023) – Seattle Sounders FC legend Nicolás Lodeiro has achieved a remarkable milestone in his career by winning a historic football league title with his boyhood club, Club Nacional de Football. The 34-year-old Uruguayan playmaker came on as a late substitute and played a crucial role in helping Nacional clinch the 2023 Uruguayan Primera División championship in an unprecedented final that was 125 years in the making.

This triumphant victory marks Lodeiro’s second league title with the Montevideo-based club, arriving in dramatic fashion in a championship decider unlike any other the country has seen.

Image: Nicolás Lodeiro in action for Seattle Sounders, where he became one of the club’s all-time greats and won multiple championships including the MLS Cup (2016, 2019) and the CONCACAF Champions League (2022). [Photo: USA Today Sports]

A Historic Home-and-Away Finale in Uruguay

For the first time in the 125-year history of Uruguay’s top-flight football league, the championship was decided in a two-legged final with each finalist hosting a match in their own stadiums. This marked a significant departure from tradition; previously, decisive title matches were almost always held at the neutral Estadio Centenario in Montevideo – the historic stadium that hosted the first-ever FIFA World Cup final in 1930.

The 2023 Uruguayan Primera División Final saw a thrilling showdown between Nacional and their fierce rivals Club Atlético Peñarol. The two clubs have dominated Uruguayan football for more than a century, combining to win the vast majority of league titles. Yet this was the first time ever that Uruguay’s championship was decided by a home-and-away final, a change implemented by the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) to celebrate the league’s long history and to allow both sets of supporters to experience a title-deciding match on their home turf [Source: AUF Official Website].

In the first leg, played at Peñarol’s state-of-the-art Estadio Campeón del Siglo, the match was a tense, hard-fought encounter, ending in a 1-1 draw. This left the two sides deadlocked on aggregate heading into the second leg, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all clash.

The second leg shifted to El Gran Parque Central, Nacional’s historic home stadium, which was packed to its 30,000-plus capacity with exuberant Tricolores (Nacional fans). The stadium – one of the oldest active football grounds in the Americas, dating back to 1900 – was decked out in red, white, and blue.

Historic Venue Shift: “It was the first time in the league’s 125-year history that both clubs faced off in a two-leg final hosted in their own stadiums, instead of the usual neutral Estadio Centenario,” noted Uruguay Football ENG, an English-language outlet covering Uruguayan soccer, highlighting the significance of the format change.

Nicolás Lodeiro’s Crucial Cameo

As the decisive second leg wore on, the score remained 0-0 on the night, with the aggregate still tied at 1-1. Sensing the need for inspiration, Nacional’s coach turned to Nicolás Lodeiro, who entered the match in the 80th minute to a thunderous ovation.

Lodeiro wasted no time making an impact. In the dying minutes of the match, Lodeiro won a corner kick for Nacional. The ensuing set-piece proved to be the turning point: Lodeiro himself delivered a pinpoint curling corner into the box. Rising above the defense, Diego Polenta met Lodeiro’s cross with a powerful header that soared into the net. The goal gave Nacional a 1-0 lead in the match and a 2-1 advantage on aggregate, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Watch: Lodeiro's title-winning assist for Nacional's dramatic goal

As the ball hit the back of the net, pandemonium broke out. Though he wasn’t a starter, Lodeiro’s assist on the championship-winning goal underscored the invaluable experience and skill he brought to the squad.

Full-Circle Journey: From Montevideo to Seattle and Back

For Nicolás Lodeiro, this league title with Nacional represents a poignant full-circle moment. He made his professional debut with Nacional in 2007, helping the team win the Uruguayan championship in the 2008–09 season.

Lodeiro’s journey took him to AFC Ajax, Botafogo, Corinthians, and Boca Juniors, winning league titles in the Netherlands and Argentina.

However, it was with Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer that Lodeiro became a club icon. Joining in 2016, he immediately led the team to its first-ever MLS Cup [Source: Seattle Sounders FC History]. He was the creative heartbeat of the team for years, leading Seattle to another MLS Cup title in 2019 and the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League—the first time an MLS club had won the tournament. Lodeiro scored two goals in the second leg of the CCL Final, cementing his legendary status [Source: CONCACAF Match Report].

After amassing 40 goals and 68 assists in MLS play [Source: MLS Statistics], Lodeiro's time in Seattle came to an end in late 2023, opening the door for his much-anticipated return to Nacional.

Celebrations in Montevideo & Seattle

Nacional’s championship victory sparked jubilation throughout Montevideo. Club Nacional’s official social media shared photos of the team lifting the trophy amid confetti showers. Local news outlets ran celebratory headlines as the entire nation took note of the momentous occasion.

Back in the United States, Seattle Sounders supporters were equally ecstatic. The phrase “Once a Sounder, always a Sounder” trended among fans on social media. The Sounders FC official account posted a congratulatory message, celebrating Lodeiro’s achievement.

Former coach Brian Schmetzer was quoted as saying, “Nico is part of the Sounders family forever. We couldn’t be happier to see him lift a trophy back home with Nacional. He’s a winner through and through.”

The Legacy of a Champion

Nicolás Lodeiro’s latest title is a testament to his enduring quality. He has won championships across multiple continents and was a key part of Uruguay’s national team that won the 2011 Copa América.

Winning the league upon his return to Nacional adds a storybook chapter to his narrative, reinforcing the trend of South American stars returning to their roots. In 2022, he famously helped convince his friend Luis Suárez to make a short-lived but emotional return to Nacional, which also resulted in a league title.

The historic nature of this final — “125 years in the making” — will be remembered for generations. For Lodeiro, hoisting the trophy at Gran Parque Central was the realization of a dream. “Returning to Nacional and winning another title here is something I will cherish forever,” Lodeiro said emotionally in a post-match interview.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What made this Uruguayan league final “historic” and 125 years in the making?
A: The 2023 Uruguayan Primera División championship was decided in an unprecedented home-and-away final. It was the first time in the league’s 125-year history that the title was contested over two legs with each finalist hosting one match at their home stadium, instead of playing a single winner-takes-all final at the neutral Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. This format change, implemented by the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) during the league’s 125th anniversary, allowed both sets of fans to experience a championship final in their own venues and was seen as a historic milestone.

Q: Which teams competed in the two-legged final, and what was the outcome?
A: The two-legged final was contested between Club Nacional de Football and their archrivals Club Atlético Peñarol, the two most successful clubs in Uruguay. The first leg, played at Peñarol’s Estadio Campeón del Siglo, ended in a 1-1 draw. The decisive second leg took place at Nacional’s home ground, Gran Parque Central, where Nacional won 1-0, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory to clinch the league title. The winning goal came in the final minutes of the match, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Nacional fans.

Q: How did Nicolás Lodeiro contribute to Nacional’s victory in the final?
A: Nicolás Lodeiro, who had rejoined Nacional in late 2023 after seven seasons with the Seattle Sounders, came on as a late substitute in the second leg of the final. Despite playing only the final part of the match, Lodeiro made a decisive impact. He was involved in the buildup of attacks and crucially provided the assist for the championship-winning goal. In the 85th minute, Lodeiro delivered a perfectly placed corner kick into the Peñarol penalty area, which was headed into the net by teammate Diego Polenta for the title-clinching goal. Lodeiro’s veteran presence and playmaking ability were instrumental in pushing Nacional over the finish line.

Q: Why is Nicolás Lodeiro considered a “Sounders legend”?
A: Nicolás Lodeiro earned the status of Sounders legend due to his transformative impact on the Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). After joining the club in 2016, Lodeiro helped turn around the team’s season, leading Seattle to win the MLS Cup championship that year (2016) – the first in the club’s history. He continued to be a linchpin for the Sounders, later guiding them to another MLS Cup title in 2019 in front of a home crowd in Seattle. Lodeiro was known for his exceptional playmaking, leadership, and clutch performances. He scored 40 goals and recorded 68 assists in MLS play, and earned numerous individual accolades such as the 2016 MLS Newcomer of the Year and multiple selections to the MLS Best XI. Perhaps most notably, Lodeiro captained the Sounders to the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League title, where he scored crucial goals in the final, helping Seattle become the first MLS team to win that prestigious continental trophy. His contributions on and off the field have enshrined him in Sounders history.

Q: How significant is this league title for Club Nacional de Football?
A: This championship is incredibly significant for Club Nacional de Football. It adds to the club’s rich legacy as one of Uruguay’s most successful teams. With this victory, Nacional has now won 50 national league titles in its history, further solidifying its status in Uruguayan football. The manner of the victory – achieved in a historic two-legged final against their greatest rivals, Peñarol, and on home soil – makes it a particularly memorable triumph. The title also comes during the 125th anniversary of Uruguay’s league, adding symbolic weight. For the club’s fans, seeing a beloved former youth product like Lodeiro return to captain the team to glory made it even more special. This trophy will be celebrated for years to come as a highlight in Nacional’s storied 125-year history.

Q: Is Nicolás Lodeiro retiring after this victory?
A: As of the championship win in late 2023, Nicolás Lodeiro has not officially announced his retirement. However, at 34 years old, he has acknowledged that he’s likely in the final years of his playing career. Lodeiro signed a short-term contract when he returned to Nacional, and there is speculation that he may play one more season, possibly aiming to help defend the title or to participate in the Copa Libertadores (South America’s premier club competition) with Nacional in 2024. He has expressed a desire to eventually retire with Nacional, the club where he began his career. Whether he decides to call time on his career after this victory or continue playing a bit longer, fans will respect his decision and remember his contributions. For now, Lodeiro appears to be relishing this moment of triumph back home and hasn’t made a definitive statement about retirement.

Q: What is the significance of Club Nacional’s Gran Parque Central stadium in this final?
A: Gran Parque Central is not just any stadium – it’s steeped in history. Opened in 1900, it is one of the oldest active football stadiums in the world and was even one of the venues for the 1930 FIFA World Cup (the first World Cup). It’s the home of Club Nacional de Football and a sacred ground for the club’s supporters. The 2023 final’s second leg being hosted at Gran Parque Central was a major part of what made the event historic, as championship finals are usually held at Estadio Centenario. For Nacional fans, winning the title on their home pitch – where the club’s history is deeply rooted – was a dream scenario. The stadium erupted in celebration when the final whistle blew, marking an emotional homecoming championship for the team and for Lodeiro himself.

Conclusion

Nicolás Lodeiro’s journey back to Uruguay and his role in winning a historic football league title with Nacional is a story that transcends borders. For Lodeiro, lifting the trophy with Nacional fulfilled a personal promise and added a crowning achievement to a career filled with silverware. As he basks in the glow of this victory, Lodeiro has further solidified his legacy as a champion loved by two sets of fans on opposite sides of the equator. This moment exemplifies the enduring magic of football: connecting eras, bridging continents, and proving that you can go home again.