 In their first game as Nacional, the team played with their SPR name and uniforms for the first half of a match against CR Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro at Pacaembu Stadium, then played for the first time in their Nacional uniforms for the second half of the match, losing the (full) match 3–5.In 1948 the club finished last in the league, but was fortunate, that this season was played without relegation.Another last place in 1953 was however consequential.