Ramua and Carando scored and brought the first win for Cusco FC this season: 3-1 over Melgar

Saturday, the 22nd of February 2020, 15:30 local time (20:30 UTC), Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium, Cusco, Peru, the 4th round of Liga 1, Apertura.

It was already time for Cusco FC to win a game this season, after three consecutive defeats in the Peruvian Apertura. Head coach Javier Arce had little time to prepare an almost completely new team, which however played better every game, despite the defeats, and eventually succeeded to win against a traditional rival, Melgar, one of Southern Peru strongest teams.

Both teams had their chances in the first half, but Cusco scored first: a great long range shot by Bolo was saved by Caceda, but the ball got to Ramua, whose shot from inside the area hit the target: 1-0 (35'). Just a few minutes later, Toledo made an unnecessary foul in the area, and the penalty was transformed by Arce: 1-1 (43').

In the second half, the home side struggled a lot, but could not find the way to the goal, while Melgar proved dangerous in their attacks. The move that changed the game was the substitution of Bolo by Carando in the 68th minute. Carando just came in when his header was saved by Caceda after a corner by Ramua (69'). Another corner, and the same happened: Ramua took the corner, Carando headed from the center of the area, and this time he scored: 2-1 (70').

 The two Argentinians, Carando (left) and Ramua (the captain), were again decisive for Cusco FC

Melgar wanted to equalize, but it was Cusco which scored the decisive goal. First, Pretell (Melgar) was sent off for a second yellow card, for a foul on Cespedes (84'). Ramua's free kick straight to the goal resulted in Caceda giving away a corner; then, the same story occurred: Ramua executed the corner and Carando headed the ball in: 3-1 (85').

Cusco: Pretel - Toledo, Paniagua, Vilchez, Cespedes - Delgado (Aucca 71'), Aranda - Carranza, Ramua, Bolo (Carando 68') - Posito (Guidino 89'). Head coach: Javier Arce.

Melgar: Caceda - Neyra, Deneumostier (Avila 74'), Miguez, Mifflin (Vidales 77') - Pretell - Amoroso, Hinostroza (Cabrera 64'), Aubert, J. Sanchez - Arce. Head coach: Carlos Bustos.

Referee: Luis Garay Evia.

Yellow cards: Delgado 11', Vilchez 48' - Mifflin 53', Deneumostier 72', Pretell 79', 84', Cabrera 82'.

Red card: Pretell 84' (for a second yellow card).

The next week, Cusco FC will play away at Sport Huancayo, while Melgar will play also away at UTC Cajamarca.