6 Nov 2029
Tuesday
Process
171 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

5 Nov 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

Brian Mendez has until the next board meeting

What was said behind closed doors has now been said in front of a microphone. Everybody at Artigas can do the arithmetic, including the man it is aimed at.

Squad

Piero Camacho keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Artigas may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief

Back issues
170 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

29 Oct 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

Pressure builds in the Artigas boardroom

The directors have stopped offering the manager public warmth. In football that is usually the stage before the short statement.

Market

João Tribino has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Artigas they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

169 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

22 Oct 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Matías Malvino

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Matías Malvino, and the manager let it.

Squad

João Tribino asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

168 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

15 Oct 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Yván Rojas puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Artigas, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Luis Castillo

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Luis Castillo, and the manager let it.

In brief

167 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

8 Oct 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

Artigas put Brian Mendez on notice

The board have said in public what they had been saying in private. Results between now and the next meeting decide it, and everybody in the building knows the arithmetic.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen says Artigas went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Bruno Barja in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Alejo Flores

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Boardroom

$94.7K taken back off the Artigas table

What was available in the summer has quietly gone. Upstairs nobody will call it a change of ambition; downstairs nobody will call it anything else.

Squad

A season on the outside for Gabriel Altino

He trains hard, says the right things and goes home to an empty flat. Nobody at Artigas has done anything wrong, which is exactly what makes it so difficult to fix.

In brief

166 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

1 Oct 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

The scrutiny sharpens at Artigas

Nobody upstairs has said anything, which is the loudest thing they could do. Results buy silence in this game; the account at Artigas is running low.

Squad

João Tribino: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Artigas have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

João Tribino has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Artigas they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

In brief

165 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

24 Sep 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Diego Tonna gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Nicolás Laporte knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Nicolás Laporte trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

  • Squad Questions about Yván Rojas on the training pitch
164 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

17 Sep 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Nicolás Gracés says Artigas went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Market

Yván Rojas puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Artigas, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

163 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

10 Sep 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Anthony da Costa: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Artigas have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Artigas count the cost of losing Nicolás Leites

15 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief

162 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

3 Sep 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

The scrutiny sharpens at Artigas

Nobody upstairs has said anything, which is the loudest thing they could do. Results buy silence in this game; the account at Artigas is running low.

Market

João Tribino has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Artigas they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

At 21, Cristiano Pernía is already the best thing here

An average of 7.10 in a first team he is several years too young for. Artigas have something, and by now the whole division has noticed.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Boardroom

93% of the income goes out in wages at Artigas

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Boardroom

Artigas pull $94.7K back off the table

The money that was there in the summer is not there now. Nobody upstairs calls this a change of ambition, and everybody downstairs reads it as one.

In brief

161 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

27 Aug 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Octavio Pereira says Artigas went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Nicolás Gracés

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Nicolás Gracés, and the manager let it.

In brief

160 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

20 Aug 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Matías Malvino was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Emilio MacEachen

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Emilio MacEachen, and the manager let it.

Squad

Octavio Pereira knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Octavio Pereira trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

159 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

13 Aug 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Lucas Zubiaguirre stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Lucas Zubiaguirre and Artigas agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Squad

No hiding place for Lucas Zubiaguirre

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Lucas Zubiaguirre, and the manager let it.

In brief

158 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

6 Aug 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Only the photograph left for João Tribino

Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. João Tribino will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Artigas the goodbyes have quietly begun.

Boardroom

The scrutiny sharpens at Artigas

Nobody upstairs has said anything, which is the loudest thing they could do. Results buy silence in this game; the account at Artigas is running low.

Squad

Matías Malvino signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Matías Malvino and Artigas agree another 2 years.

Squad

Cristiano Pernía is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.10 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Artigas know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

A bad afternoon for Artigas against Liverpool Montevideo

0‑1 to Liverpool Montevideo, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

The team sheet said everything about Emilio MacEachen

Warm-up bib, ninety minutes of watching, and a handshake at the end that fooled nobody. Big matches tell you who a manager trusts; this one told Emilio MacEachen.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Joaquín Rodríguez

Successful dribbles: 16. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Boardroom

93% of the income goes out in wages at Artigas

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

In brief

157 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

30 Jul 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Luis Castillo hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Mael Macía sends Artigas past Rentistas

It finished 2‑0, and it was Mael Macía’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Artigas.

Squad

No hiding place for Matías Malvino

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Matías Malvino, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

One of those days for Mael Macía

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.24, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

Getting past Gabriel Altino has become the hardest job in the division

11 clean sheets and counting. Forwards used to back themselves here; now they shoot early, shoot wide, and look for somebody to blame.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 17. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Hugo Paz

Defensive actions: 14. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Santiago Diez wants a proper job in this side

Shifted about, taken off before the hour, asked to do somebody else's running — Santiago Diez has had enough of being useful and would like to be picked. Artigas know, and have known for weeks.

In brief

156 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

23 Jul 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

So close: Axel Muñoz’s move dies late

The fee was agreed and the flight was looked at — and then the phone stopped ringing. Albion moved on, Axel Muñoz reports back to Artigas, and everybody pretends Monday is just Monday.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Diogo Cabrera gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Santiago Diez

Successful dribbles: 17. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Match

Artigas and Tacuarembo take a point apiece

It finished 1‑1, and it somehow always looked like it would. One of those afternoons where the table moves less than the tempers.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites keeps on missing

Shots: 7, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.

Squad

João Tribino knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and João Tribino trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Player ratings

A day to forget for Ángel Solís

Marked 5.52, and generously at that. Nothing came off, and by the end the crowd had stopped expecting it to.

Squad

João Tribino has taken the shirt

At 22 he is in the side on merit and somebody else is watching from the bench. Places at Artigas are won quietly and lost loudly.

In brief

155 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

16 Jul 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Gabriel Altino

There were 7 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Squad

Cristiano Pernía signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Cristiano Pernía commits to Artigas for another 4 years.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

A bad afternoon for Artigas against Cerrito

0‑1 to Cerrito, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Market

The João Tribino conversation is coming

Everyone has stopped pretending: Albion will make the call about João Tribino this week. Artigas have a number in mind, and the number is not shy.

Player ratings

Joaquín Rodríguez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 17. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

In brief

154 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

9 Jul 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Joaquín Rodríguez

Successful dribbles: 28. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

Federico Viera asks to leave Artigas

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Emilio MacEachen and Artigas agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Squad

Cristiano Pernía is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.12 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Artigas know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Uruguay Montevideo take the points off Artigas

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

In brief

153 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

2 Jul 2029
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Luis Castillo: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Artigas have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

Cerrito come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Artigas did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Market

Axel Muñoz has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Artigas they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Emilio MacEachen commits to Artigas for another 2 years.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

6 unbeaten for Artigas

Hard to beat is not the same as winning, but 6 matches without defeat is a foundation Artigas did not have in the autumn.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Yonathan Gorgoroso

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

Mael Macía the difference as Artigas beat Atenas

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Mael Macía. 1‑0 against Atenas, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

Player ratings

Joaquín Rodríguez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 18. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

In brief

152 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

25 Jun 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

Artigas are in real trouble now

Position 12, 24 points, and a fixture list with fewer games left in it than excuses. The arithmetic is not cruel yet, but it has stopped being kind.

Market

João Tribino asks to leave Artigas

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Artigas lose Bruno Barja

38 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Matías Malvino gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Gabriel Altino shuts the door again

9 clean sheets and counting. Strikers leave this ground muttering his name, which is exactly how a goalkeeper measures a good season.

Market

Albion expected to open talks for Axel Muñoz

Both sides expect a conversation in the coming days. Artigas will name a price, and everything after that is arithmetic.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Nicolás Leites

Successful dribbles: 13. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Cristiano Pernía

Defensive actions: 13. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

In brief

151 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

18 Jun 2029
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Lucas Zubiaguirre says Artigas went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Joaquín Rodríguez

Successful dribbles: 25. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

Kevin Caicedo is a Artigas player again

He left as a boy and has come back still knowing where the away end is. Most signings have to be explained to a town; this one needed a photograph and nothing else.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

Bruno Barja sends Artigas past Rampla Juniors

It finished 1‑0, and it was Bruno Barja’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Artigas.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Cristiano Pernía

Defensive actions: 19. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Bruno Barja stands above it all

Some games turn on a moment; this one turned on a man. 7.87 on the card, and the Artigas support went home talking about one name.

Squad

Getting past Gabriel Altino has become the hardest job in the division

8 clean sheets and counting. Forwards used to back themselves here; now they shoot early, shoot wide, and look for somebody to blame.

In brief

150 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

11 Jun 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Artigas say no — this time

The offer from Albion for Axel Muñoz was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.

Squad

Remember the name: Cristiano Pernía

He is 21, he is averaging 7.08, and older professionals have started passing to him in the difficult minutes. That last part is the real scouting report.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

One of those days for Cristiano Pernía

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.28, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Match

Cristiano Pernía the difference as Artigas beat Deportivo Maldonado

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Cristiano Pernía. 1‑0 against Deportivo Maldonado, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Joaquín Rodríguez

Marked 8.45 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

Santiago Diez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 16. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Boardroom

89% of the income goes out in wages at Artigas

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Squad

No hiding place for Nicolás Laporte

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Nicolás Laporte, and the manager let it.

In brief

149 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

4 Jun 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Axel Muñoz hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Nicolás Leites

Successful dribbles: 23. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief

148 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

28 May 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Gabriel Altino keeps Artigas in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 10 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Match

Artigas sink to position 12

16 points, and a fixture list that is running out. The mathematics are not yet cruel, but they are no longer kind.

Market

João Tribino hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Artigas share the spoils with La Luz

A 1‑1 draw with La Luz leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.

Squad

No hiding place for Octavio Pereira

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Octavio Pereira, and the manager let it.

In brief

147 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

21 May 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Hugo Paz says Artigas went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Santiago Diez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 21. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Nicolás Ferreira’s goal not enough for Artigas

Nicolás Ferreira scored, and precious little else went right: 1‑2 to Oriental, and a quiet walk to the dressing room.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Bruno Barja

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Deyvin Maciera out for 25 days

The medical room confirms 25 days on the sidelines for Deyvin Maciera, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

In brief

146 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

14 May 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Matías Malvino in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

At 21, Cristiano Pernía is already the best thing here

An average of 7.01 in a first team he is several years too young for. Artigas have something, and by now the whole division has noticed.

Match

Artigas see off Central Espanol

Three points for Artigas, 2‑0 the final word against Central Espanol in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites in the eights

A performance of 8.72 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Bruno Barja

Marked 8.39 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Cristiano Pernía

Defensive actions: 16. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Cristiano Pernía asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Player ratings

Emilio MacEachen shuts the door

Defensive actions: 14, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

In brief

145 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

7 May 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Gabriel Altino keeps Artigas in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Match

No end in sight to Artigas's wait for a win

5 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Artigas has to find a result from somewhere.

Squad

Artigas lose Matías Malvino

27 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

Yonathan Gorgoroso stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Yonathan Gorgoroso and Artigas agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Emilio MacEachen

Defensive actions: 19. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Cristiano Pernía

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 15 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

Santiago Diez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 12. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

No goals between Artigas and Liverpool Montevideo

Ninety minutes, two goalkeepers with clean gloves, and not one finish worth keeping. Liverpool Montevideo will be the happier side with the point.

In brief

144 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

30 Apr 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

Every point is an argument now for Artigas

Position 13 and 11 points, and the table gets read bottom-up in this part of town. The calendar has stopped being a schedule and started being a countdown.

Match

4 matches without a win for Artigas

The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Artigas are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Matías Malvino in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Yonathan Gorgoroso

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Yonathan Gorgoroso, and the manager let it.

Match

Rentistas take the points off Artigas

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Nicolás Leites

Successful dribbles: 13. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

The one thing Mael Macía could not do

Shots: 12, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

Player ratings

Bruno Barja keeps on missing

Shots: 6, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.

Player ratings

Santiago Diez leaves them behind him

Shots: 6. Goals: none. The chances were there and they were good ones, and they went into the stand, the goalkeeper's arms and the side netting in roughly that order.

In brief

143 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

23 Apr 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

João Tribino hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Gabriel Altino

There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

6 unbeaten for Artigas

Hard to beat is not the same as winning, but 6 matches without defeat is a foundation Artigas did not have in the autumn.

Squad

Anthony da Costa out for 30 days

The medical room confirms 30 days on the sidelines for Anthony da Costa, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Mael Macía gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

Honours even between Artigas and Tacuarembo

1‑1, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

Player ratings

The one thing Mael Macía could not do

Shots: 6, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

Player ratings

Santiago Diez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 12. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

In brief

142 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

16 Apr 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Santiago Diez

Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Artigas count the cost of losing Deyvin Maciera

28 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Player ratings

Cristiano Pernía stands above it all

Some games turn on a moment; this one turned on a man. 7.92 on the card, and the Artigas support went home talking about one name.

Squad

Lucas Zubiaguirre gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

The one thing Mael Macía could not do

Shots: 8, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

In brief

  • Player ratings A defender's afternoon for Hugo Paz
  • Match Point won or two lost for Artigas?
  • Squad João Tribino knocks on the manager’s door
141 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

9 Apr 2029
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Lucas Zubiaguirre keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Artigas may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Artigas count the cost of losing Matías Malvino

55 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

Artigas share the spoils with Uruguay Montevideo

A 1‑1 draw with Uruguay Montevideo leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites keeps on missing

Shots: 5, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.

In brief

140 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

2 Apr 2029
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Every point is an argument now for Artigas

Position 12 and 8 points, and the table gets read bottom-up in this part of town. The calendar has stopped being a schedule and started being a countdown.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 21. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Artigas get the job done against Atenas

A 1‑0 win over Atenas, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.

Squad

Octavio Pereira signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Octavio Pereira and Artigas agree another 3 years.

Squad

The month belongs to Cristiano Pernía

The award is a small thing with a heavy meaning: for four weeks nobody in this division did his job better. Artigas have the trophy on a shelf and the player in the side.

In brief

139 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

26 Mar 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Gabriel Altino

There were 7 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Matías Malvino was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Anthony da Costa out for 59 days

The medical room confirms 59 days on the sidelines for Anthony da Costa, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Player ratings

One of those days for Cristiano Pernía

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.01, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Diogo Cabrera

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Nicolás Leites

Successful dribbles: 16. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

Joaquín Medina turns it into his own net

Nobody's fault and entirely his: a goal that goes into the book with his name against it and nothing about it intended. Artigas deserved better, and so did he.

Match

Honours even between Artigas and Danubio

1‑1, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

Player ratings

Mael Macía leaves them behind him

Shots: 8. Goals: none. The chances were there and they were good ones, and they went into the stand, the goalkeeper's arms and the side netting in roughly that order.

In brief

138 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

19 Mar 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

Artigas bow out of the cup

Defensor Sporting go through and Artigas go home, 1‑2 the scoreline that did it. The dressing room will call the league the priority now, because that is what dressing rooms say.

The terraces

The ground has had enough

“We travel everywhere and we get this.” 7 of the 30 senior players heard it walking off, and the ones who did not hear it were not playing.

Player ratings

Joaquín Rodríguez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 24. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Santiago Diez

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Gabriel Altino signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Gabriel Altino and Artigas agree another 4 years.

Player ratings

The afternoon belonged to Cristiano Pernía

A mark of 7.56, and nobody in the ground would argue with it. He was involved in everything that mattered and most of what did not.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Emilio MacEachen trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Match

Artigas and Rampla Juniors cancel each other out

Nil-nil, and few chances worth the name. Rampla Juniors came to defend and left with exactly what they came for.

In brief

137 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

12 Mar 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Artigas lose Matías Malvino

85 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

Artigas count the cost of losing Bruno Barja

27 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Player ratings

Santiago Diez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 22. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Matías Malvino was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Cristiano Pernía shuts the door

Defensive actions: 22, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites in the eights

A performance of 8.92 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Artigas see off Deportivo Maldonado

Three points for Artigas, 2‑0 the final word against Deportivo Maldonado in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Player ratings

Mael Macía in the eights

A performance of 8.17 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

No hiding place for Lucas Zubiaguirre

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Lucas Zubiaguirre, and the manager let it.

In brief

136 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

5 Mar 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Gabriel Altino keeps Artigas in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Match

5 matches without a win for Artigas

The run now stands at 5, and the questions being asked around Artigas are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Nicolás Leites signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Nicolás Leites and Artigas agree another 3 years.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

A bad afternoon for Artigas against Fenix

0‑1 to Fenix, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

The month belongs to Cristiano Pernía

The award is a small thing with a heavy meaning: for four weeks nobody in this division did his job better. Artigas have the trophy on a shelf and the player in the side.

In brief

135 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

26 Feb 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Nicolás Leites

Successful dribbles: 31. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Gabriel Altino keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Artigas may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Match

4 matches without a win for Artigas

The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Artigas are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Diogo Cabrera

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

La Luz take the points off Artigas

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

The terraces

The spotlight tightens on Yonathan Gorgoroso

Every touch is being weighed now, in print and everywhere else. Some players grow into that and some are quietly ruined by it, and nobody knows which in advance.

Player ratings

Off the pace: Mael Macía

A mark of 5.65 tells the story without any need for embellishment. He will want the tape of this one quietly lost.

Player ratings

Diego Tonna never got going

5.73 on the card. Some afternoons a footballer looks like a man who has only just been introduced to the game, and this was one of them.

In brief

134 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

19 Feb 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Artigas come up short against Oriental

Oriental left with the points after a 1‑2 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Squad

Yonathan Gorgoroso gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 16. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Cristiano Pernía knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Artigas, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Player ratings

Santiago Diez leaves them behind him

Shots: 5. Goals: none. The chances were there and they were good ones, and they went into the stand, the goalkeeper's arms and the side netting in roughly that order.

In brief

133 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

12 Feb 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

The terraces

The boos come down from three sides

“We pay for this every fortnight. The least we want is somebody who looks like he cares.” 7 of the 30 senior players walked off into it; the rest were not playing.

Squad

Matías Malvino out for 114 days

The medical room confirms 114 days on the sidelines for Matías Malvino, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Bruno Barja out for 55 days

The medical room confirms 55 days on the sidelines for Bruno Barja, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Market

As if he never left: Luis Godoy returns

Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. Luis Godoy is a Artigas player again, and the town has its story of the summer.

Market

Facundo Martinez comes home

The shirt still fits. Facundo Martinez is back at Artigas, and half the ground remembers him in these colours already. Some signings need selling to the town; this one sold itself.

Market

Marcelo Ugarte comes home

The shirt still fits. Marcelo Ugarte is back at Artigas, and half the ground remembers him in these colours already. Some signings need selling to the town; this one sold itself.

Market

Sebastian Olivera comes home

The shirt still fits. Sebastian Olivera is back at Artigas, and half the ground remembers him in these colours already. Some signings need selling to the town; this one sold itself.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Cristiano Pernía’s goal not enough for Artigas

Cristiano Pernía scored, and precious little else went right: 1‑3 to Central Espanol, and a quiet walk to the dressing room.

In brief

132 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

5 Feb 2029
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Matías Malvino in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Artigas lose José Vieira

14 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Boardroom

$34.9K on the table at Artigas

The board have answered with money instead of encouragement, which is the only answer a manager ever wants. Spending it well is now entirely his problem.

In brief

131 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

29 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Tomás Mejía

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Tomás Mejía, and the manager let it.

Squad

Questions about Gabriel Altino on the training pitch

The standards have slipped, and in a building where everybody watches everybody it has not gone unremarked. This is how a player loses a place before he loses one.

In brief

130 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

22 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Matías Malvino in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Lucas Zubiaguirre asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Squad

The manager comes out for Nicolás Leites

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Nicolás Leites has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

In brief

129 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

15 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Matías Malvino out for 143 days

The medical room confirms 143 days on the sidelines for Matías Malvino, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Yoel Guirrimán signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Yoel Guirrimán and Artigas agree another 3 years.

In brief

128 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

8 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Boardroom

$34.9K on the table at Artigas

The board have answered with money instead of encouragement, which is the only answer a manager ever wants. Spending it well is now entirely his problem.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Lucas Zubiaguirre

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Market

Experience through the door at Artigas

Matías Malvino arrives at 37 with nothing left to prove and plenty left to pass on. Legs are a young man's currency; knowing where to stand never ages.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen has company in his position

The competition arrived without a word said to him about it. Emilio MacEachen keeps the shirt for now, at Artigas's convenience rather than his own.

Squad

Anthony da Costa knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Anthony da Costa trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

127 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

1 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Cristiano Pernía

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Cristiano Pernía, and the manager let it.

Squad

Gabriel Altino still has not settled

A year in and the language has not come, the city has not opened up, and he eats alone more often than anybody at Artigas would like to admit. It is showing on Saturdays.

In brief

126 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

25 Dec 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Diego Tonna asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Market

Artigas put Axel Muñoz up for sale

The list is a quiet document with a loud meaning. Axel Muñoz may talk to anybody who asks, and everybody at the club understands what that means.

In brief

125 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

18 Dec 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Bruno Barja was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Nicolás Gracés stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Nicolás Gracés and Artigas agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Squad

No hiding place for Nicolás Gracés

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Nicolás Gracés, and the manager let it.

In brief

124 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

11 Dec 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Lucas Zubiaguirre

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Lucas Zubiaguirre, and the manager let it.

Market

Axel Muñoz is free to find somewhere else

“I was told straight, and I would rather have it straight.” The manager at Artigas has been clear about where Axel Muñoz stands, which is more than many ever get.

In brief

123 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

4 Dec 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Emilio MacEachen stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Emilio MacEachen and Artigas agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Diogo Cabrera was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Artigas lose Ángel Solís

19 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Boardroom

Artigas release $34.9K for the manager

The board have put money on the table rather than an encouraging word. What happens to it now is somebody else's problem, and somebody else's job.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Piero Camacho

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Market

Still no ink between Artigas and Octavio Pereira

“We keep meeting, and we keep leaving the room with the same numbers we walked in with.” Another round of talks at Artigas, another week without a signature from Octavio Pereira.

In brief

  • Boardroom The Artigas production line keeps running
  • Boardroom Artigas board back the manager
122 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

27 Nov 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Nicolás Laporte

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Nicolás Laporte, and the manager let it.

Squad

João Tribino asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

121 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

20 Nov 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Bruno Barja was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Cristiano Pernía

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

João Tribino knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Artigas, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

  • Squad The manager comes out for Hugo Paz
120 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

13 Nov 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Anthony da Costa gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Cristiano Pernía knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Cristiano Pernía trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

119 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

6 Nov 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Artigas lose Ángel Solís

48 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Boardroom

Artigas release $34.9K for the manager

The board have put money on the table rather than an encouraging word. What happens to it now is somebody else's problem, and somebody else's job.

In brief

118 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

30 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Bruno Barja in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Emilio MacEachen

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Diego Tonna asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

117 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

23 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Lucas Zubiaguirre keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Artigas may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Emilio MacEachen trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

116 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

16 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Diogo Cabrera in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Nicolás Gracés

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Tomás Mejía knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Artigas, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

115 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

9 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Yonathan Gorgoroso stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Yonathan Gorgoroso and Artigas agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Octavio Pereira

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Octavio Pereira, and the manager let it.

In brief

114 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

2 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Cristian Britos keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Artigas may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Yonathan Gorgoroso signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Yonathan Gorgoroso and Artigas agree another 2 years.

Squad

Bruno Barja in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

113 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

25 Sep 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Anthony da Costa keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Artigas may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Anthony da Costa stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Anthony da Costa and Artigas agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

In brief

112 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

18 Sep 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Diego Tonna: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Artigas have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Boardroom

Wages eat 107% of everything Artigas earn

There is a figure at which a wage bill stops being ambitious and becomes the reason nothing else is possible, and this club has reached it. Nothing is left over for a transfer, a stand or a rainy afternoon.

In brief

111 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

11 Sep 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Nicolás Gracés says Artigas went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Bruno Barja in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Tomás Mejía signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Tomás Mejía commits to Artigas for another 4 years.

In brief

110 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

4 Sep 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Boardroom

Artigas release $34.9K for the manager

The board have put money on the table rather than an encouraging word. What happens to it now is somebody else's problem, and somebody else's job.

In brief

109 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

28 Aug 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Diogo Cabrera in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Lucas Zubiaguirre

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Lucas Zubiaguirre, and the manager let it.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Emilio MacEachen trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

108 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

21 Aug 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Octavio Pereira keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Artigas may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Boardroom

Wages eat 116% of everything Artigas earn

There is a figure at which a wage bill stops being ambitious and becomes the reason nothing else is possible, and this club has reached it. Nothing is left over for a transfer, a stand or a rainy afternoon.

In brief

107 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

14 Aug 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Bruno Barja in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Gabriel Altino

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Gabriel Altino, and the manager let it.

Squad

João Tribino knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Artigas, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

106 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

7 Aug 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Yonathan Gorgoroso

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

A bad afternoon for Artigas against Rampla Juniors

0‑1 to Rampla Juniors, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

Axel Muñoz signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Axel Muñoz and Artigas agree another 2 years.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Anthony da Costa

Successful dribbles: 14. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

A day to forget for Bruno Barja

Marked 5.72, and generously at that. Nothing came off, and by the end the crowd had stopped expecting it to.

In brief

105 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

31 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

One of those days for Nicolás Leites

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.85, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Match

Nicolás Leites the difference as Artigas beat Rentistas

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Nicolás Leites. 2‑0 against Rentistas, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

Player ratings

Mael Macía in the eights

A performance of 8.06 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

The team sheet said everything about Santiago Diez

Warm-up bib, ninety minutes of watching, and a handshake at the end that fooled nobody. Big matches tell you who a manager trusts; this one told Santiago Diez.

Squad

No hiding place for João Tribino

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to João Tribino, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Joaquín Rodríguez

Successful dribbles: 13. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Cristiano Pernía

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 13 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Cristiano Pernía asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

104 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

24 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Bruno Barja was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Boardroom

Wages eat 136% of everything Artigas earn

There is a figure at which a wage bill stops being ambitious and becomes the reason nothing else is possible, and this club has reached it. Nothing is left over for a transfer, a stand or a rainy afternoon.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Mael Macía

Marked 8.14 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

Cristiano Pernía gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Costly mistake from Gabriel Altino

An error at the back is a moment; an error in goal is a goal. Gabriel Altino knows it, the crowd knew it instantly, and there was nobody behind him to make it anything else.

Match

Artigas and Fenix take a point apiece

It finished 1‑1, and it somehow always looked like it would. One of those afternoons where the table moves less than the tempers.

In brief

103 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

17 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Tomás Mejía says Artigas went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Santiago Diez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 20. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

In brief

102 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

10 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Diogo Cabrera was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Nicolás Leites

Successful dribbles: 20. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Match

Artigas find a way past Uruguay Montevideo

Uruguay Montevideo made Artigas work for it, but the scoreboard read 2‑1 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Santiago Diez

Marked 9.03 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

No hiding place for Lucas Zubiaguirre

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Lucas Zubiaguirre, and the manager let it.

Squad

Gabriel Cabrera out for 39 days

The medical room confirms 39 days on the sidelines for Gabriel Cabrera, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

In brief

101 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

3 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Carlos da Rosa sold, and an era ends

$520.0K from Wanderers for Carlos da Rosa. Money is money, but the dressing room has lost the man it looked to.

Match

7 matches without a win for Artigas

The run now stands at 7, and the questions being asked around Artigas are no longer polite ones.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 27. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Nicolás Laporte: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Artigas have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

Joaquín Medina puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Artigas, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Santiago Diez signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Santiago Diez and Artigas agree another 4 years.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Santiago Diez gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

Atenas take the points off Artigas

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

In brief

100 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

26 Jun 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

Artigas refuse to drop out of the race

Position 3, 33 points, and the result everyone checks first is now theirs. The word is still not being said around the ground, which is how you know everyone is thinking it.

Match

No end in sight to Artigas's wait for a win

6 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Artigas has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Eyes on Carlos da Rosa again

The phone has started ringing about Carlos da Rosa again, and this time the name on the line is Wanderers. Artigas are listening politely and promising nothing.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Carlos da Rosa was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Joaquín Rodríguez in the eights

A performance of 8.94 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

No hiding place for Yonathan Gorgoroso

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Yonathan Gorgoroso, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Nicolás Leites

Successful dribbles: 18. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Boardroom

115% of the income goes out in wages at Artigas

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Match

Artigas and Liverpool Montevideo take a point apiece

It finished 1‑1, and it somehow always looked like it would. One of those afternoons where the table moves less than the tempers.

In brief

99 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

19 Jun 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

No end in sight to Artigas's wait for a win

5 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Artigas has to find a result from somewhere.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 24. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Bruno Barja

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

A bad afternoon for Artigas against River Plate

0‑1 to River Plate, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

Mael Macía knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Mael Macía trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Player ratings

Mael Macía never got going

5.40 on the card. Some afternoons a footballer looks like a man who has only just been introduced to the game, and this was one of them.

Player ratings

Anthony da Costa never got going

5.72 on the card. Some afternoons a footballer looks like a man who has only just been introduced to the game, and this was one of them.

The terraces

Supporters make their feelings known about Carlos da Rosa

The speculation has reached the stands, and the stands have answered. Artigas would like this settled before it becomes the only thing anybody asks about.

In brief

98 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

12 Jun 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Artigas say no — this time

The offer from Wanderers for Carlos da Rosa was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Nicolás Leites

Successful dribbles: 29. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

At 21, Carlos da Rosa is already the best thing here

An average of 7.47 in a first team he is several years too young for. Artigas have something, and by now the whole division has noticed.

Match

4 matches without a win for Artigas

The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Artigas are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Cristiano Pernía signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Cristiano Pernía and Artigas agree another 4 years.

Market

Artigas buy the years ahead of Cristiano Pernía

He is 20, and the scouting reports agree on the only line that matters: the ceiling. Signings like this are lottery tickets written by professionals.

Squad

Lucas Zubiaguirre has had enough of the bench

“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Artigas will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.

Market

No place for Joaquín Medina in the plan

“The manager did not use many words, and he did not need to.” Joaquín Medina has his answer from Artigas; what he does with it is the next window’s story.

In brief

97 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

5 Jun 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Market

Weslley Brito hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Nicolás Leites

Successful dribbles: 23. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Carlos da Rosa in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Emilio MacEachen shuts the door

Defensive actions: 22, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Squad

Gabriel Cabrera out for 79 days

The medical room confirms 79 days on the sidelines for Gabriel Cabrera, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

No hiding place for Lucas Zubiaguirre

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Lucas Zubiaguirre, and the manager let it.

In brief

96 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

29 May 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Artigas refuse to drop out of the race

Position 2, 30 points, and the result everyone checks first is now theirs. The word is still not being said around the ground, which is how you know everyone is thinking it.

Squad

Lucas Zubiaguirre keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Artigas may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Artigas count the cost of losing Carlos da Rosa

24 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Joaquín Rodríguez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 20. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Emilio MacEachen

Defensive actions: 18. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

In brief

95 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

22 May 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Carlos da Rosa runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 36. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Market

Luiz hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Luiz

There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Squad

Artigas lose Mael Macía

16 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

Carlos da Rosa in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Emilio MacEachen

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

In brief

94 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

15 May 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Carlos da Rosa is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.49 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Artigas know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Carlos da Rosa in the eights

A performance of 9.18 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

93 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

8 May 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Joaquín Medina keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Artigas may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Emilio MacEachen commits to Artigas for another 2 years.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Rampla Juniors take the points off Artigas

Beaten 1‑2, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Player ratings

One of those days for Carlos da Rosa

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.79, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

Bruno Barja gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

92 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

1 May 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Artigas are in among the leaders

Position 1 and 25 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Squad

Nicolás Leites takes the match ball home

3 goals in one afternoon from one man. The other players were also present, a witness confirmed.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Luiz

There were 7 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Market

Piero Camacho puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Artigas, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites in the eights

A performance of 10.00 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Nicolás Leites sends Artigas past Rentistas

It finished 3‑1, and it was Nicolás Leites’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Artigas.

Squad

The manager makes an example of João Tribino

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Boardroom

97% of the income goes out in wages at Artigas

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

In brief

91 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

24 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Market

Luiz asks to leave Artigas

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 25. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Artigas count the cost of losing Mael Macía

44 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Emilio MacEachen

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Emilio MacEachen, and the manager let it.

Match

A bad afternoon for Artigas against Fenix

0‑1 to Fenix, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

In brief

90 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

17 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Carlos da Rosa is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.37 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Artigas know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Carlos da Rosa was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Santiago Diez in the eights

A performance of 8.66 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Diogo Cabrera

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

One of those days for Nicolás Leites

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.47, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

One of those days for Mael Macía

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.08, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

In brief

89 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

10 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Nobody wants to play Artigas right now

3 wins in a row changes how opponents warm up: quieter, more glances across. Runs end, everybody knows that — but nobody in this dressing room is planning for it.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Mael Macía sends Artigas past Uruguay Montevideo

It finished 1‑0, and it was Mael Macía’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Artigas.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Lucas Zubiaguirre

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

One of those days for Mael Macía

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.21, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

Emilio MacEachen shuts the door

Defensive actions: 18, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

In brief

88 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

3 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Artigas are in among the leaders

Position 2 and 18 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Carlos da Rosa was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Carlos da Rosa

Marked 9.14 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Match

Artigas find a way past Atenas

Atenas made Artigas work for it, but the scoreboard read 2‑1 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Luiz

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

The month belongs to Carlos da Rosa

The award is a small thing with a heavy meaning: for four weeks nobody in this division did his job better. Artigas have the trophy on a shelf and the player in the side.

In brief

87 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

27 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Luiz hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Carlos da Rosa

Marked 9.21 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Match

Artigas get the job done against Liverpool Montevideo

A 2‑1 win over Liverpool Montevideo, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.

Squad

Joaquín Rodríguez gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Diogo Cabrera asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Player ratings

The one thing Bruno Barja could not do

Shots: 6, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites leaves them behind him

Shots: 5. Goals: none. The chances were there and they were good ones, and they went into the stand, the goalkeeper's arms and the side netting in roughly that order.

Player ratings

Lucas Zubiaguirre never got going

5.79 on the card. Some afternoons a footballer looks like a man who has only just been introduced to the game, and this was one of them.

In brief

86 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

20 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Artigas out of the cup

Defensor Sporting ended it 1‑2. The season narrows to the league now, and everyone in the ground knew it before the final whistle.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Luiz

There were 8 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

The terraces

The boos come down from three sides

“We pay for this every fortnight. The least we want is somebody who looks like he cares.” 8 of the 31 senior players walked off into it; the rest were not playing.

Squad

Remember the name: Carlos da Rosa

He is 21, he is averaging 7.15, and older professionals have started passing to him in the difficult minutes. That last part is the real scouting report.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

A bad afternoon for Artigas against River Plate

0‑2 to River Plate, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Nicolás Leites

Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Yonathan Gorgoroso

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

Off the pace: Anthony da Costa

A mark of 4.41 tells the story without any need for embellishment. He will want the tape of this one quietly lost.

In brief

85 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

13 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Luiz keeps Artigas in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Carlos da Rosa

Marked 8.96 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Match

Artigas get the job done against Tacuarembo

A 2‑0 win over Tacuarembo, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.

Squad

Gabriel Altino gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

One of those days for Mael Macía

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.44, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Emilio MacEachen

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 17 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

Yordi López shuts the door

Defensive actions: 16, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Squad

The shirt belongs to Bruno Barja now

At 25 he has made the position his own, and the man he took it from has to find something to say about it. Artigas have a decision that made itself.

In brief

  • The terraces The press have found their man in Mael Macía
  • The terraces The stand has a song for Mael Macía
84 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

6 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Artigas run riot against Colon

4‑0, and the margin flattered nobody — it could have carried another goal or two without complaint. Afternoons like this are why people keep coming.

Squad

Luiz keeps Artigas in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 9 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Squad

Yonathan Gorgoroso stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Yonathan Gorgoroso and Artigas agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nicolás Leites runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 21. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

One of those days for Emilio MacEachen

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.43, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

In brief

83 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

28 Feb 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Luiz hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Carlos da Rosa

Successful dribbles: 30. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Carlos da Rosa in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

A bad afternoon for Artigas against La Luz

0‑1 to La Luz, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Weslley Brito

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

“I want to play”: Lucas Zubiaguirre speaks

“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.

In brief

82 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

21 Feb 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Luiz

There were 10 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Carlos da Rosa

Marked 9.21 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

Santiago Diez gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

Carlos da Rosa the difference as Artigas beat Oriental

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Carlos da Rosa. 1‑0 against Oriental, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Yordi López

Defensive actions: 18. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

In brief

81 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

14 Feb 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Artigas turn down OB for Carlos da Rosa

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Luiz

There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Market

As if he never left: Marcelo De Arrascaeta returns

Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. Marcelo De Arrascaeta is a Artigas player again, and the town has its story of the summer.

Market

As if he never left: Mathias Olivera returns

Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. Mathias Olivera is a Artigas player again, and the town has its story of the summer.

Market

Leonardo Gonzalez is a Artigas player again

He left as a boy and has come back still knowing where the away end is. Most signings have to be explained to a town; this one needed a photograph and nothing else.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Yordi López was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Artigas find a way past Central Espanol

Central Espanol made Artigas work for it, but the scoreboard read 4‑3 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Player ratings

One of those days for Nicolás Laporte

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.80, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

Luiz gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

80 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

7 Feb 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Brian Mendez has until the next board meeting

What was said behind closed doors has now been said in front of a microphone. Everybody at Artigas can do the arithmetic, including the man it is aimed at.

Market

Weslley Brito puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Artigas, and it is not being withdrawn.

Market

Eyes on Carlos da Rosa again

The phone has started ringing about Carlos da Rosa again, and this time the name on the line is OB. Artigas are listening politely and promising nothing.

Squad

Carlos da Rosa is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.31 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Artigas know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Market

Joaquín Medina is on his way

The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Artigas is pretending he will be back in the shirt.

Squad

Artigas lose Joaquín Rodríguez

21 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

In brief

79 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

31 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Luiz hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Alejo Flores asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

  • Squad Luiz keeps his manager's vote
78 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

24 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Gabriel Altino knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Gabriel Altino trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Squad

Ángel Solís gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

77 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

17 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Pressure builds in the Artigas boardroom

The directors have stopped offering the manager public warmth. In football that is usually the stage before the short statement.

Market

Yordi López hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief

76 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

10 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Weslley Brito hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Artigas can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Remember the name: Carlos da Rosa

He is 21, he is averaging 7.31, and older professionals have started passing to him in the difficult minutes. That last part is the real scouting report.

Market

Joaquín Medina has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Artigas they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

In brief

75 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

3 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Artigas put Brian Mendez on notice

The board have said in public what they had been saying in private. Results between now and the next meeting decide it, and everybody in the building knows the arithmetic.

Market

Luiz puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Artigas, and it is not being withdrawn.

Market

Artigas turn down Liverpool Montevideo for Carlos da Rosa

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Artigas count the cost of losing Alejo Flores

34 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

Gabriel Altino has had enough of the bench

“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Artigas will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.

Boardroom

Artigas pull $490.9K back off the table

The money that was there in the summer is not there now. Nobody upstairs calls this a change of ambition, and everybody downstairs reads it as one.

Market

Artigas and Joaquín Medina are talking past each other

“There is a gap, and pretending there is not helps nobody.” Neither side has moved, and the calendar is working for exactly one of them.

Market

12 months and counting on Axel Muñoz

Still no offer on the table, and Axel Muñoz’s deal keeps shrinking. In boardroom language, silence this long stops being an oversight and starts being an answer.

In brief

74 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

27 Dec 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Alejo Flores says Artigas went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Carlos da Rosa in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Gabriel Altino gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

73 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

20 Dec 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Pressure builds in the Artigas boardroom

The directors have stopped offering the manager public warmth. In football that is usually the stage before the short statement.

Market

Yordi López asks to leave Artigas

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Emilio MacEachen in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Artigas this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Alejo Flores knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Artigas, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Squad

“I want to play”: Joaquín Medina speaks

“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.

Market

Artigas pick up Axel Muñoz for nothing

The best deals are the ones the accountants never notice. Axel Muñoz arrives at Artigas with his wages the only cost and something to prove the only clause.

In brief

72 Edition

The Artigas Chronicle

13 Dec 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Carlos da Rosa is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.31 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Artigas know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Market

Joaquín Medina has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Artigas they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Tempers go at Artigas

Emilio MacEachen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief