Fenix U20

31 Jan 2029
Wednesday
Process
131 Edition

The Fenix Herald

29 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Guillermo Pereira 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.

Market

A long bet from Fenix on Emiliano Goñi

He is 20, and nobody at Fenix signed him for this season. Deals like this are judged in four years, by people who may not still be in the building.

Squad

Nicolás Garayalde 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 Garayalde trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Squad

Nicolás Garayalde has company in his position

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

Market

Fenix shop where it costs nothing

Álbaro Gómez signs, and the fee column stays empty. Deals like this look small in July and clever by March — or they are never mentioned again.

In brief

Back issues
130 Edition

The Fenix Herald

22 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Andrés Barboza 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 Garayalde 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Nahuel de Armas

“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

129 Edition

The Fenix Herald

15 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Lautaro Morales asks to leave Fenix

“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

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Nahuel Suárez

“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

128 Edition

The Fenix Herald

8 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Jeremías Silveira 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Fenix count the cost of losing Nicolás Fuentes

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

Squad

Alex Silva 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

Nahuel Suárez 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

Augusto Gallo runs his contract down

7 months remain and no agreement is close. Every week without a signature costs Fenix money.

In brief

127 Edition

The Fenix Herald

1 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Esteban González 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Jeremías Silveira

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

Market

Fenix and Augusto Gallo 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.

Squad

Emilio Crespo 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 Crespo trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Squad

Bartosz Głogowski 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 Fenix would like to admit. It is showing on Saturdays.

In brief

126 Edition

The Fenix Herald

25 Dec 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Gonzalo Andrada 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Fenix count the cost of losing Augusto Gallo

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

In brief

125 Edition

The Fenix Herald

18 Dec 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Santiago Rodríguez: 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.” Fenix have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Garayalde

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

Market

Fenix put Gonzalo Andrada up for sale

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

Squad

Lucas Goberville 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

Talks stall between Fenix and Mauro Muhlethaler

“We are a long way apart, and pretending otherwise helps nobody.” Neither side is close, and the calendar is not on the club's side.

In brief

124 Edition

The Fenix Herald

11 Dec 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Lautaro Morales 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

Esteban González told to find a new club

“They were honest with me, and I would rather know.” Esteban González has been informed he is not in the manager's thinking at Fenix.

In brief

123 Edition

The Fenix Herald

4 Dec 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Jeremías Silveira 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Bryan Olivera stays put

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

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Fenix lose Nicolás Brun

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

Market

No place for Gonzalo Andrada in the plan

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

Squad

The manager makes an example of Nicolás Brun

“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

122 Edition

The Fenix Herald

27 Nov 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Fenix count the cost of losing Augusto Gallo

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

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Alex Silva

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

In brief

121 Edition

The Fenix Herald

20 Nov 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Nicolás Campos keeps the receipts

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

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Nahuel Suárez

“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

120 Edition

The Fenix Herald

13 Nov 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Adrián Colombino: 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.” Fenix have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

Lautaro Morales 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

  • Squad The manager makes an example of Douglas Dias
  • Boardroom The Fenix production line keeps running
  • Squad Alex Verón keeps his manager's vote
119 Edition

The Fenix Herald

6 Nov 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Jeremías Silveira 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Nicolás Churín: 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.” Fenix have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

118 Edition

The Fenix Herald

30 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Lucas Goberville: 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.” Fenix have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Fenix lose Augusto Gallo

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

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

117 Edition

The Fenix Herald

23 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Juan Ignacio Pereira keeps the receipts

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

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Esteban González 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

116 Edition

The Fenix Herald

16 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Esteban González says Fenix 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

Lautaro Morales 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

115 Edition

The Fenix Herald

9 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Jeremías Silveira 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Alex Silva: 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.” Fenix have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Fenix count the cost of losing Nicolás Garayalde

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

In brief

114 Edition

The Fenix Herald

2 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Alan Zamurio says Fenix 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

Fenix lose Augusto Gallo

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

Squad

Brian Fernández signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Brian Fernández commits to Fenix for another 2 years.

In brief

113 Edition

The Fenix Herald

25 Sep 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Mauro Muhlethaler keeps the receipts

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

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Nahuel Suárez

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

In brief

112 Edition

The Fenix Herald

18 Sep 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Nahuel Suárez keeps the receipts

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

Market

Lautaro Morales 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

111 Edition

The Fenix Herald

11 Sep 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Jeremías Silveira 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Enzo Suárez: 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.” Fenix have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Fenix count the cost of losing Nicolás Garayalde

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

In brief

110 Edition

The Fenix Herald

4 Sep 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Gonzalo Andrada 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Emilio Crespo keeps the receipts

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

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Guillermo Pereira

Marked 9.28 — 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 Sebastián de Marco

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

Match

Guillermo Pereira the difference as Fenix beat Miramar Misiones

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

Player ratings

One of those days for Alex Verón

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.11, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

Axel Pérez is in the form of his life

A season average of 7.25 with 7 goals behind it. Opponents have started planning around him, which is the sincerest compliment football pays.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Enzo Suárez

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 16 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

In brief

109 Edition

The Fenix Herald

28 Aug 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Alex Verón runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 35. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Nahuel Suárez

“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 Fenix against La Luz

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

Loan watch

Valentín Luciani wants to come home

“I did not go to Juventud to sit and watch. I want to come back to Fenix and fight for my place.” 2 appearances in 9 matches say the rest.

Squad

Nicolás Garayalde 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.

The terraces

Everybody has an opinion about Nahuel Suárez

He is the name in every column and on every phone-in, which is a heavy thing to carry at any age. Some footballers thrive on it; others are quietly finished by it.

Squad

Nicolás Garayalde has to sit this one out

A booking nobody needed, on a night the game was already won. Fenix lose a player for the most avoidable reason there is.

Player ratings

Alan Zamurio keeps on missing

Shots: 8, 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

108 Edition

The Fenix Herald

21 Aug 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Lucas Goberville

Successful dribbles: 24. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Brian Fernández

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.54, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Gonzalo Andrada

“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

Brian Fernández rescues a point for Fenix

It needed Brian Fernández to find the net to bring anything home at all: 1‑1 against Cerro Largo, and half the dressing room will call it a point won.

Squad

Augusto Gallo 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 Augusto Gallo trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

107 Edition

The Fenix Herald

14 Aug 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Nahuel Suárez keeps Fenix in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 7 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Market

Jeremías Silveira 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Nicolás Garayalde

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 27 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Alex Verón

Successful dribbles: 26. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Match

Fenix make it 3 in a row

Momentum is a hard thing to buy and an easy thing to lose, and right now Fenix have 3 straight wins of it.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Guillermo Pereira

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 23 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Fenix find a way past Montevideo City Torque

Montevideo City Torque made Fenix work for it, but the scoreboard read 1‑0 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Player ratings

Alan Zamurio in the eights

A performance of 8.34 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

106 Edition

The Fenix Herald

7 Aug 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Luka Fuster keeps Fenix in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 7 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 Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Lucas Goberville

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

Match

Fenix see off Liverpool Montevideo

Three points for Fenix, 1‑0 the final word against Liverpool Montevideo in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Nicolás Garayalde

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

Player ratings

Guillermo Pereira shuts the door

Defensive actions: 19, 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

A masterclass from Brian Fernández

Marked 8.13 — 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

Nahuel Suárez left out for the big one

A player who expected to start watched it instead. The manager will call it a decision for the team; Nahuel Suárez will call it something else in private.

Squad

Axel Pérez is carrying Fenix

7 goals and a season average of 7.26. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

In brief

105 Edition

The Fenix Herald

31 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Axel Pérez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 29. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Luka Fuster

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

Sebastián de Marco out for 36 days

The medical room confirms 36 days on the sidelines for Sebastián de Marco, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Fenix find a way past Progreso

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

Player ratings

A masterclass from Brian Fernández

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.

In brief

104 Edition

The Fenix Herald

24 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Player ratings

Lucas Goberville 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.

Match

The wait goes on for Fenix

4 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Luka Fuster 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

Fenix come up short against Juventud

Juventud left with the points after a 0‑1 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Squad

Santiago Diaz out for 28 days

The medical room confirms 28 days on the sidelines for Santiago Diaz, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

In brief

103 Edition

The Fenix Herald

17 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Jeremías Silveira 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Player ratings

Axel Pérez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 26. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Sebastián de Marco 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

Brian Fernández in the eights

A performance of 8.29 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Fenix share the spoils with Cerro

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

In brief

102 Edition

The Fenix Herald

10 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Juan Manuel Nieto keeps the receipts

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

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Axel Pérez in the eights

A performance of 9.03 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Lucas Goberville

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 Augusto Gallo

“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

Axel Pérez is in the form of his life

A season average of 7.27 with 7 goals behind it. Opponents have started planning around him, which is the sincerest compliment football pays.

Market

Fenix buy the years ahead of Joaquín García

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.

Match

Fenix share the spoils with Plaza Colonia

A 1‑1 draw with Plaza Colonia leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.

Player ratings

The one thing Brian Fernández could not do

Shots: 9, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

In brief

101 Edition

The Fenix Herald

3 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Fenix lose Sebastián de Marco

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

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

One of those days for Axel Pérez

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.29, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

In brief

100 Edition

The Fenix Herald

26 Jun 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Axel Pérez

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.12, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Guillermo Pereira

Marked 9.04 — 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

Fenix see off Albion

Three points for Fenix, 2‑1 the final word against Albion in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Player ratings

Lucas Goberville in the eights

A performance of 8.23 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

Esteban González 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

Nahuel Suárez 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Player ratings

Nahuel de Armas runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 13. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

The room hears from Brian Fernández

“Nobody outside is coming to save us.” It was short, it was not comfortable, and by all accounts the Fenix squad were quieter afterwards than they had been all season.

In brief

99 Edition

The Fenix Herald

19 Jun 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

6 matches without a win for Fenix

The run now stands at 6, and the questions being asked around Fenix are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Axel Pérez

Successful dribbles: 21. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Costly mistake from Luka Fuster

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

Match

Fenix come up short against Defensor Sporting

Defensor Sporting left with the points after a 0‑2 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Squad

No hiding place for Mauro Muhlethaler

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

In brief

98 Edition

The Fenix Herald

12 Jun 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Jeremías Silveira keeps the receipts

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

Match

5 matches without a win for Fenix

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

Player ratings

Nahuel de Armas 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

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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.

Market

Ramiro Bertalmio moves on

Cerro pay $140.0K, and the deal is done. The number reads well on a balance sheet; whether it reads well on the pitch is next season's question.

Squad

Nahuel Suárez 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

97 Edition

The Fenix Herald

5 Jun 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Fenix turn down Wanderers for Nahuel Suárez

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

Market

Nicolás Brun asks to leave Fenix

“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

Fenix lose Sebastián de Marco

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

Match

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

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

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Nicolás Garayalde 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 Guillermo Pereira

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.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Axel Pérez

Marked 8.36 — 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

Honours even between Fenix and Wanderers

2‑2, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

In brief

96 Edition

The Fenix Herald

29 May 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Axel Pérez

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 Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Sebastián de Marco 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 Garayalde stands above it all

Some games turn on a moment; this one turned on a man. 7.88 on the card, and the Fenix support went home talking about one name.

Squad

Nicolás Garayalde 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

Gonzalo Andrada suspended

One booking too many, and Gonzalo Andrada sits out. Fenix lose him for the sort of avoidable reason that makes a manager's week longer.

In brief

95 Edition

The Fenix Herald

22 May 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

Fenix out of the cup

Cerro Largo ended it 0‑0. The season narrows to the league now, and everyone in the ground knew it before the final whistle.

Player ratings

Nicolás Campos runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 32. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

Enzo Suárez shuts the door

Defensive actions: 27, 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

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Andrés Barboza

“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

Fenix come up short against Miramar Misiones

Miramar Misiones left with the points after a 0‑1 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Player ratings

Valentín Luciani misses from twelve yards

It was his to settle and he did not settle it. A long walk back to the halfway line, and a considerably longer week.

Player ratings

A costly moment from Andrés Barboza

One lapse, one goal, and ninety minutes of honest work counting for nothing. That is the job at Fenix, and it is a cruel one.

Squad

Nicolás Garayalde 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 Garayalde trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

  • Squad Bryan Olivera is not enjoying his job description
  • Boardroom The Fenix production line keeps running
  • The terraces The press have found their man in Luka Fuster
94 Edition

The Fenix Herald

15 May 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Bartosz Głogowski asks to leave Fenix

“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.

Match

8 unbeaten for Fenix

Hard to beat is not the same as winning, but 8 matches without defeat is a foundation Fenix did not have in the autumn.

Player ratings

Axel Pérez 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 Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Fenix see off La Luz

Three points for Fenix, 2‑1 the final word against La Luz in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Player ratings

One of those days for Bryan Olivera

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.92, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

No hiding place for Nahuel Suárez

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

Player ratings

A masterclass from Brian Fernández

Marked 8.40 — 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

One of those days for Lucas Goberville

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.40, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

In brief

93 Edition

The Fenix Herald

8 May 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Axel Pérez

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

Squad

Fenix lose Sebastián de Marco

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

Match

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

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

Squad

Bryan Olivera stays put

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

Match

Still nobody has beaten Fenix

The unbeaten run reaches 7. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

92 Edition

The Fenix Herald

1 May 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

The wait goes on for Fenix

4 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Lucas Goberville

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 Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix

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

Player ratings

Axel Pérez in the eights

A performance of 8.50 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Sebastián de Marco in the eights

A performance of 8.34 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

Augusto Gallo 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 Fenix and Montevideo City Torque

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

A day to forget for Guillermo Pereira

Marked 4.62, and generously at that. Nothing came off, and by the end the crowd had stopped expecting it to.

In brief

91 Edition

The Fenix Herald

24 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Nicolás Garayalde

Defensive actions: 27. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Lucas Goberville 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

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Guillermo Pereira 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

Nicolás Campos 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

Brian Fernández leaves them behind him

Shots: 9. 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

90 Edition

The Fenix Herald

17 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Sebastián de Marco runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 28. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Mauro Muhlethaler keeps the receipts

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

Market

Bartosz Głogowski 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Garayalde 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 Guillermo Pereira

Marked 8.50 — 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

Honours even between Fenix and Progreso

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

Squad

Guillermo Pereira finally opens his account

He wheeled away like a man who had been carrying it for months, because he had. Fenix have their signing off the mark and one press-conference question retired.

Player ratings

Brian Fernández leaves them behind him

Shots: 9. 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

89 Edition

The Fenix Herald

10 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Sebastián de Marco runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 26. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Valentín Luciani

“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

Nothing got past Nicolás Garayalde

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 16 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

Andrés Barboza 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

Nicolás Garayalde 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

88 Edition

The Fenix Herald

3 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Nicolás Garayalde shuts the door

Defensive actions: 32, 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

Sebastián de Marco runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 29. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Guillermo Pereira

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 23 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Nahuel Suárez 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

Fenix see off Cerro

Three points for Fenix, 1‑0 the final word against Cerro in a contest settled by the finer margins.

In brief

87 Edition

The Fenix Herald

27 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

A day Brian Fernández will not forget

3 goals in one game. The first was taken well, the second was taken greedily, and by the third the crowd were simply waiting for him to get the ball.

Player ratings

Axel Pérez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 26. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Santiago Rodríguez says Fenix 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

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Brian Fernández

Marked 9.72 — 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 Gonzalo Andrada

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

In brief

86 Edition

The Fenix Herald

20 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

Fenix march on in the cup

Uruguay Montevideo are out and Fenix go through, 1‑0 the final word. The bracket opens up a little, and everyone allows themselves a look at it.

Player ratings

Sebastián de Marco runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 31. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Market

Bartosz Głogowski 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix against Boston River

2‑3 to Boston River, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Player ratings

One of those days for Nahuel de Armas

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.19, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Enzo Suárez

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 20 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Axel Pérez

Marked 8.77 — 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 Augusto Gallo

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

In brief

85 Edition

The Fenix Herald

13 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Lucas Goberville

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

Match

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

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

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Alex Silva shuts the door

Defensive actions: 17, 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

Nothing got past Guillermo Pereira

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.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Juan Manuel Nieto

“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

84 Edition

The Fenix Herald

6 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Luka Fuster

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

Bartosz Głogowski: 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.” Fenix have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

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

Squad

Brian Fernández signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Brian Fernández commits to Fenix for another 2 years.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Bryan Olivera in the eights

A performance of 8.89 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

83 Edition

The Fenix Herald

28 Feb 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Luka Fuster says Fenix 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

A one-man rearguard from Luka Fuster

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

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Nicolás Garayalde

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

Player ratings

A masterclass from Bryan Olivera

Marked 8.67 — 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

Sebastián de Marco 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.

In brief

82 Edition

The Fenix Herald

21 Feb 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Bartosz Głogowski 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Lucas Goberville

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 Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Gonzalo Andrada signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Gonzalo Andrada commits to Fenix for another 3 years.

Match

A bad afternoon for Fenix against Wanderers

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

Squad

Gonzalo Andrada 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.

Market

Fenix and Nicolás Garayalde 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.

Squad

Nicolás Garayalde 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Player ratings

The one thing Brian Fernández could not do

Shots: 11, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

In brief

81 Edition

The Fenix Herald

14 Feb 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

Juan Cabrera comes home

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

Market

As if he never left: Pablo Garcia returns

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

Market

Miguel Pereira comes home

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

Market

Carlos Ugarte comes home

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

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

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

Match

Brian Fernández the difference as Fenix beat Racing

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Brian Fernández. 2‑1 against Racing, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

Player ratings

One of those days for Brian Fernández

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.77, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

Axel Pérez in the eights

A performance of 8.78 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

  • Boardroom A promise the Fenix board did not keep
  • Squad Nahuel Suárez lets one through his hands
  • Squad The manager makes an example of Alex Silva
80 Edition

The Fenix Herald

7 Feb 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Bartosz Głogowski

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

Squad

Augusto Gallo 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

79 Edition

The Fenix Herald

31 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Fenix count the cost of losing Pablo Santos

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

Boardroom

86% of the income goes out in wages at Fenix

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

78 Edition

The Fenix Herald

24 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Market

Bartosz Głogowski 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Bartosz Głogowski wants to go home

“I have given this everything, but my family is not here and neither am I, not really.” A footballer can be coached out of bad form. Nobody has ever been coached out of this, and Fenix know it.

In brief

77 Edition

The Fenix Herald

17 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

Fenix sign Juan José Rey, one for the future

Juan José Rey is 20, and Fenix have signed him for the player he will be rather than the one he is. The first team can wait; the point of a deal like this is the years it buys.

Squad

No hiding place for Jeremías Silveira

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

In brief

76 Edition

The Fenix Herald

10 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Somebody is after Nahuel Suárez’s shirt

A new face in his position, and Nahuel Suárez suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Fenix have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.

Squad

Jeremías Silveira 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 Jeremías Silveira trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

75 Edition

The Fenix Herald

3 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Nicolás Garayalde is named among the best

There are footballers who have a good season and footballers a season is remembered for, and the second kind get their names read out in a hall in the summer. Fenix will be quietly delighted and privately nervous.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Gonzalo Andrada

“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

85% of the income goes out in wages at Fenix

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

Nicolás Brun 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 Brun trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Market

The market said no: Nicolás Brun stays put

Fenix opened the door and nobody walked through it. So Nicolás Brun stays — listed, trained, and available — while both sides mark the days to January on the same calendar.

In brief

74 Edition

The Fenix Herald

27 Dec 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

Fenix put Nicolás Brun up for sale

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

Squad

Nicolás Brun 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

73 Edition

The Fenix Herald

20 Dec 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Market

Bartosz Głogowski 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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.

Market

Oriental join the queue for Ángel Rodríguez

Add another name to the list: Oriental have asked the question everybody in the game has been asking about Ángel Rodríguez. The answer from Fenix has not changed — yet.

Squad

Luka Fuster has outgrown this division

There is a level at which a footballer stops being tested and starts being contained, and he reached it some time ago. Fenix know it, and so does everybody who watches him.

Squad

Somebody is after Nahuel Suárez’s shirt

A new face in his position, and Nahuel Suárez suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Fenix have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.

Squad

A season on the outside for Douglas Dias

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

In brief

72 Edition

The Fenix Herald

13 Dec 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Boardroom

Fenix have won it

This is the season the town will measure the next twenty against. The trophy travels home with the squad, and the route through the streets was agreed days ago.

Boardroom

Promotion for Fenix

Mathematically certain, and nobody in this town is going to bed early. Whatever else happened this season, it finishes a division above where it started.

Match

Fenix refuse to drop out of the race

Position 1, 46 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

Nicolás Brun keeps the receipts

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

Squad

The season belongs to Nicolás Garayalde

An individual honour is a strange thing in a team game, and the best of them are never argued with. He has had the sort of year that ends with his name being read out, and Fenix have had the benefit of it.

Market

Fenix sign Nicolás Campos for $170.0K

The paperwork is done: Nicolás Campos joins from Central Espanol in a deal worth $170.0K. Now comes the harder part.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

No place for Nicolás Brun in the plan

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

Market

Fenix bring in an old head

Douglas Dias is 36 and has run out of things to prove. What he has left is where to stand, when to slow it down and what to say at half-time, and none of that is on a fitness chart.

In brief

71 Edition

The Fenix Herald

6 Dec 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Valentín Luciani

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

Boardroom

Fenix release $261.3K 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

70 Edition

The Fenix Herald

29 Nov 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Jeremías Silveira

“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

Lucas Goberville 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

69 Edition

The Fenix Herald

22 Nov 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Bartosz Głogowski wants to go home

“I have given this everything, but my family is not here and neither am I, not really.” A footballer can be coached out of bad form. Nobody has ever been coached out of this, and Fenix know it.

Squad

Lucas Goberville 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

68 Edition

The Fenix Herald

15 Nov 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Fenix up to position 1

46 points on the board and a place in the leading group. Nobody at the ground is saying the word out loud yet.

Market

Bartosz Głogowski 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

67 Edition

The Fenix Herald

8 Nov 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Augusto Gallo 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

Fabricio Pérez 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

66 Edition

The Fenix Herald

1 Nov 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Nicolás Prieto says Fenix 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

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Alex Silva

“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

65 Edition

The Fenix Herald

25 Oct 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Diego Rosa

“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

Alex Silva 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

64 Edition

The Fenix Herald

18 Oct 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Fenix refuse to drop out of the race

Position 1, 46 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

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Fenix count the cost of losing Esteban González

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

In brief

63 Edition

The Fenix Herald

11 Oct 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Market

Bartosz Głogowski asks to leave Fenix

“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

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Lautaro Centurión 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

62 Edition

The Fenix Herald

4 Oct 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Jeremías Silveira says Fenix 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

Bryan Olivera signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Bryan Olivera commits to Fenix for another 2 years.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

61 Edition

The Fenix Herald

27 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Fabricio Pérez 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Squad

No hiding place for Mauro Muhlethaler

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

In brief

60 Edition

The Fenix Herald

20 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Fenix refuse to drop out of the race

Position 1, 46 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

Fabricio Pérez says Fenix 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

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

59 Edition

The Fenix Herald

13 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Alex Silva

“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

Nicolás Brun 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

58 Edition

The Fenix Herald

6 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Loan watch

Gastón Colmán counts the days

“I watch every Fenix game from here. That says everything about where my head is.” The loan at Rentistas runs its course, but his heart never made the trip.

Boardroom

$261.3K on the table at Fenix

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

57 Edition

The Fenix Herald

30 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Fabián Píriz says Fenix 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 Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Lautaro Centurión

“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

56 Edition

The Fenix Herald

23 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Fenix up to position 1

46 points on the board and a place in the leading group. Nobody at the ground is saying the word out loud yet.

Market

Bartosz Głogowski 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

55 Edition

The Fenix Herald

16 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Augusto Gallo

“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

Esteban González 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 Fenix, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

54 Edition

The Fenix Herald

9 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Esteban González: 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.” Fenix have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

Fenix turn down Auckland FC for Valentín Luciani

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

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

Successful dribbles: 21. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

Nicolás Garayalde in the eights

A performance of 8.99 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

Defences have started doubling up on Guillermo Pereira

10 goals and a season average of 7.31 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Fabricio Pérez

Marked 8.00 — 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 Goberville

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

Match

Honours even between Fenix and Uruguay Montevideo

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

In brief

53 Edition

The Fenix Herald

2 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

Successful dribbles: 34. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 defender's afternoon for Guillermo Pereira

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

Squad

No hiding place for Gonzalo Andrada

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

Player ratings

Nicolás Garayalde stands above it all

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

Squad

Defences have started doubling up on Axel Pérez

4 goals and a season average of 7.27 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

Player ratings

The one thing Brian Fernández could not do

Shots: 11, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

Squad

Andrés Barboza has to sit this one out

A booking nobody needed, on a night the game was already won. Fenix lose a player for the most avoidable reason there is.

Match

Fenix draw a blank against Atenas

The crowd waited for a goal that never came. Atenas defended in numbers and left with what they came for, and the two sides could be playing still without troubling a scorer.

In brief

52 Edition

The Fenix Herald

26 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Fenix taken apart

2‑5 to Albion, and it was every bit as bad as the number suggests. There are defeats you argue about and defeats you apologise for; this was the second kind.

Match

Fenix up to position 1

44 points on the board and a place in the leading group. Nobody at the ground is saying the word out loud yet.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

Successful dribbles: 27. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

Bartosz Głogowski 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

Valentín Luciani attracts admirers

The name of Valentín Luciani has come up in conversations Fenix were not part of. Nothing formal, nothing signed — but nothing about it accidental either.

Squad

Brian Fernández is in the form of his life

A season average of 7.20 with 13 goals behind it. Opponents have started planning around him, which is the sincerest compliment football pays.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Andrés Barboza

“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

A masterclass from Brian Fernández

Marked 8.13 — 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.

In brief

51 Edition

The Fenix Herald

19 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Player ratings

Sebastián de Marco runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 28. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Nahuel de Armas says Fenix 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.

Match

Still nobody has beaten Fenix

The unbeaten run reaches 7. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Axel Pérez

Marked 9.30 — 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

Axel Pérez sends Fenix past River Plate

It finished 2‑1, and it was Axel Pérez’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Fenix.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Brian Fernández

Marked 8.59 — 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

Bryan Olivera in the eights

A performance of 8.37 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

Sebastián de Marco is carrying Fenix

1 goals and a season average of 7.49. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

In brief

50 Edition

The Fenix Herald

12 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Fenix say no — this time

The offer from Central Espanol for Valentín Luciani 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

Nothing got past Nicolás Garayalde

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 26 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

Andrés Barboza shuts the door

Defensive actions: 26, 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

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

6 unbeaten for Fenix

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

Squad

Guillermo Pereira is in the form of his life

A season average of 7.36 with 10 goals behind it. Opponents have started planning around him, which is the sincerest compliment football pays.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Sebastián de Marco

Marked 8.66 — 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

Guillermo Pereira sends Fenix past Deportivo Maldonado

It finished 1‑0, and it was Guillermo Pereira’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Fenix.

Player ratings

Guillermo Pereira in the eights

A performance of 8.40 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

49 Edition

The Fenix Herald

5 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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.

Loan watch

Gastón Colmán wants to come home

“I did not go to Rentistas to sit and watch. I want to come back to Fenix and fight for my place.” 5 appearances in 25 matches say the rest.

Player ratings

Bryan Olivera in the eights

A performance of 8.85 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

No hiding place for Nahuel Suárez

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

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

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

Match

Brian Fernández rescues a point for Fenix

It needed Brian Fernández to find the net to bring anything home at all: 2‑2 against Nacional, and half the dressing room will call it a point won.

In brief

48 Edition

The Fenix Herald

28 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Fenix are in among the leaders

Position 1 and 37 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

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

Player ratings

Nothing got past Nicolás Garayalde

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 26 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Guillermo Pereira

Defensive actions: 26. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

Fenix sell Alan Acevedo for $250.0K

Alan Acevedo has left for Montevideo City Torque in a $250.0K deal. The accountants are pleased; the supporters are less certain.

Player ratings

Axel Pérez in the eights

A performance of 8.99 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Fenix see off Cerrito

Three points for Fenix, 1‑0 the final word against Cerrito in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Squad

Nahuel Suárez shuts the door again

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

In brief

47 Edition

The Fenix Herald

21 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Guillermo Pereira

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.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Lucas Goberville

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

Squad

Guillermo Pereira is carrying Fenix

9 goals and a season average of 7.32. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

Player ratings

One of those days for Sebastián de Marco

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.22, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Gonzalo Andrada

“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

Montevideo City Torque are about to pick up the phone

A conversation is coming this week. Fenix will put a number on him, and from there it stops being football and becomes arithmetic.

Match

Fenix and Oriental 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

Brian Fernández leaves them behind him

Shots: 10. 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

46 Edition

The Fenix Herald

14 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Nahuel Suárez

There were 9 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

Fenix turn down Tacuarembo for Valentín Luciani

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

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Bryan Olivera

Successful dribbles: 22. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Sebastián de Marco in the eights

A performance of 8.93 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Boardroom

102% of the income goes out in wages at Fenix

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

Defences have started doubling up on Sebastián de Marco

1 goals and a season average of 7.42 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

Squad

Lautaro Centurión 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

Sebastián de Marco rescues a point for Fenix

It needed Sebastián de Marco to find the net to bring anything home at all: 1‑1 against Artigas, and half the dressing room will call it a point won.

In brief

45 Edition

The Fenix Herald

7 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Lautaro Centurión 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 Fenix, and it is not being withdrawn.

Player ratings

Sebastián de Marco 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.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Nicolás Garayalde

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 24 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Nothing got past Andrés Barboza

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 20 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Match

Brian Fernández sends Fenix past Rampla Juniors

It finished 1‑0, and it was Brian Fernández’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Fenix.

Player ratings

Brian Fernández in the eights

A performance of 8.34 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

The month belongs to Guillermo Pereira

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

Squad

Another clean sheet for Nahuel Suárez

9 shut-outs and counting. Goalkeepers are only noticed when they fail, and Nahuel Suárez has given nobody the chance.

In brief

44 Edition

The Fenix Herald

31 May 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Fenix are in among the leaders

Position 2 and 29 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Market

Bartosz Głogowski 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 Fenix can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Axel Pérez 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.

Match

Rentistas take the points off Fenix

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

Player ratings

A masterclass from Sebastián de Marco

Marked 8.25 — 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.

In brief

43 Edition

The Fenix Herald

24 May 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Fenix out of the cup

Liverpool Montevideo ended it 0‑2. The season narrows to the league now, and everyone in the ground knew it before the final whistle.

Squad

Valentín Luciani: 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.” Fenix have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Nahuel Suárez keeps Fenix 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 Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Axel Pérez

Successful dribbles: 21. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

Guillermo Pereira in the eights

A performance of 8.80 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Guillermo Pereira the difference as Fenix beat Tacuarembo

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

Squad

The manager makes an example of Nahuel Suárez

“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 Sebastián de Marco

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.61, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

In brief

42 Edition

The Fenix Herald

17 May 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Still nobody has beaten Fenix

The unbeaten run reaches 15. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Axel Pérez

Successful dribbles: 33. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Esteban González says Fenix 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

Gonzalo Andrada shuts the door

Defensive actions: 30, 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

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

One of those days for Nicolás Garayalde

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.35, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Brian Fernández

“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

Nicolás Garayalde sends Fenix past Colon

It finished 1‑0, and it was Nicolás Garayalde’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Fenix.

Player ratings

Guillermo Pereira shuts the door

Defensive actions: 19, 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

41 Edition

The Fenix Herald

10 May 2027
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Still nobody has beaten Fenix

The unbeaten run reaches 14. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Fenix find a way past Uruguay Montevideo

Uruguay Montevideo made Fenix work for it, but the scoreboard read 4‑2 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Lucas Goberville

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

Player ratings

A masterclass from Valentín Luciani

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.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Sebastián de Marco

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.

Squad

Andrés Barboza 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 Guillermo Pereira

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.70, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

Sebastián de Marco is carrying Fenix

0 goals and a season average of 7.28. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

In brief

40 Edition

The Fenix Herald

3 May 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Axel Pérez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 38. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Whatever happens, Fenix do not lose

13 games unbeaten now. Some were earned and some were survived, but a habit is forming — and habits are the hardest thing in football to play against.

Match

Fenix are in among the leaders

Position 2 and 20 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Squad

Santiago Rodríguez: 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.” Fenix have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Loan watch

Gastón Colmán has seen enough of Rentistas

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Fenix, and 5 appearances in 16 say he has earned the hearing.

Player ratings

Brian Fernández in the eights

A performance of 8.12 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Fenix share the spoils with Atenas

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

Squad

Andrés Barboza 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

39 Edition

The Fenix Herald

26 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Fenix tear Albion apart

Rarely has this fixture seen a display like it: 5‑1 against Albion, and it could have been more.

Match

12 unbeaten for Fenix

Hard to beat is not the same as winning, but 12 matches without defeat is a foundation Fenix did not have in the autumn.

Squad

3 goals for Bryan Olivera

The match ball belongs to Bryan Olivera, whose 3 goals turned a difficult afternoon into a procession.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Nahuel Suárez

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

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Bryan Olivera

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 10.00, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Guillermo Pereira

Marked 9.28 — 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

Sebastián de Marco in the eights

A performance of 8.83 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Brian Fernández in the eights

A performance of 8.33 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

38 Edition

The Fenix Herald

19 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Axel Pérez

Successful dribbles: 33. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Match

Whatever happens, Fenix do not lose

11 games unbeaten now. Some were earned and some were survived, but a habit is forming — and habits are the hardest thing in football to play against.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Fenix count the cost of losing Erick Rodríguez

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

Squad

Esteban González 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

97% of the income goes out in wages at Fenix

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.

Player ratings

Lautaro Centurión takes the honours

Marked 7.72 on an afternoon he ran from the first whistle to the last. Whatever else went wrong, Fenix had the best player on the pitch.

Match

Fenix and River Plate cancel each other out

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

Player ratings

Brian Fernández 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

37 Edition

The Fenix Herald

12 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Sebastián de Marco 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.

Match

10 unbeaten for Fenix

Hard to beat is not the same as winning, but 10 matches without defeat is a foundation Fenix did not have in the autumn.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Nicolás Garayalde

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

A defender's afternoon for Guillermo Pereira

Defensive actions: 17. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

No hiding place for Gonzalo Andrada

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

In brief

36 Edition

The Fenix Herald

5 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Fenix are in among the leaders

Position 2 and 14 points on the board. Nobody at the ground will say the word out loud yet, and everybody at the ground is thinking it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

Successful dribbles: 27. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Match

Whatever happens, Fenix do not lose

9 games unbeaten now. Some were earned and some were survived, but a habit is forming — and habits are the hardest thing in football to play against.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Lucas Goberville

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.95, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Match

Fenix find a way past Nacional

Nacional made Fenix work for it, but the scoreboard read 1‑0 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Bryan Olivera

Marked 8.44 — 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 Nicolás Garayalde

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

Squad

No hiding place for Valentín Luciani

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

In brief

35 Edition

The Fenix Herald

29 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

Successful dribbles: 33. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Ángel Rodríguez keeps the receipts

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

Match

8 unbeaten for Fenix

Hard to beat is not the same as winning, but 8 matches without defeat is a foundation Fenix did not have in the autumn.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Nicolás Brun 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 Garayalde stands above it all

Some games turn on a moment; this one turned on a man. 7.82 on the card, and the Fenix support went home talking about one name.

In brief

34 Edition

The Fenix Herald

22 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Cup progress for Fenix

A 1‑0 win over Miramar Misiones, a place in the next round, and the quiet arithmetic every supporter does on the walk home: how many more until a final?

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

Successful dribbles: 33. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Match

Whatever happens, Fenix do not lose

7 games unbeaten now. Some were earned and some were survived, but a habit is forming — and habits are the hardest thing in football to play against.

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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

Diego Rosa 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

Matías Cabrera shuts the door

Defensive actions: 20, 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

One of those days for Nahuel de Armas

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.62, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Esteban González

“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

105% of the income goes out in wages at Fenix

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

33 Edition

The Fenix Herald

15 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Sebastián de Marco

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

Squad

Andrés Barboza out for 29 days

The medical room confirms 29 days on the sidelines for Andrés Barboza, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Bryan Olivera 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 Fenix this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Axel Pérez

Marked 8.74 — 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 Matías González

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

Player ratings

Valentín Luciani in the eights

A performance of 8.64 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

32 Edition

The Fenix Herald

8 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Matías González says Fenix 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

Axel Pérez runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 23. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Bryan Olivera signs on for more

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

Squad

Tempers go at Fenix

Bryan Olivera 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 Brian Fernández

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.

Squad

The month belongs to Guillermo Pereira

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

In brief