The Clausura tournament's 13th round of matches saw Gregorio Perez's Penarol claim a win that moves them into the fight for the title with two rounds to go.

Nacional conceded a second-minute own goal from midfielder Marco Vanzini.

Omar Pouso's dismissal in the 28th minute left Penarol with 10 men, but two minutes later a tremendous long-distance free-kick shot by Brazilian forward Silvio Mendes stretched the gap for the Mirasoles.

And in the 37th minute, Mendes scored again, as he beat Alexis Viera with a header to wrap up the win.

Nacional also finished the game with 10 men, as defender Diego Jaume was shown the red card in the 60th minute.

"We managed to play well in the first half, even with one less man and the second goal calmed us down," Penarol keeper Juan Castillo said.

"Silvio's performance was crucial for us."

Penarol are level with Defensor Sporting on 28 points, only one point behind leaders Danubio.

Danubio will face both Defensor Sporting and Penarol in the closing two rounds of the championship.

"We know that if we win the two games we are champions. I hope we can beat Tacuarembo and Danubio. It all depends on ourselves," Castillo added.

Elsewhere, Rentistas, who drew 0-0 with Progreso on Sunday, are relegated to the second tier.