Cusco FC classified to the round of 16 in Copa Bicentenario after penalty shoot-outs against Binacional

Friday, 11 June 2021, 10 am local time (3 pm UTC), San Marcos Stadium, Lima (neutral ground), Peru, first round of Copa Bicentenario.

Cusco FC classified for the next round of Copa Bicentenario, after a difficult match against Deportivo Binacional. One of the few matches played between two First Division teams in this first round, and the winners (Cusco FC) will have the opportunity to meet Sporting Cristal, the best Peruvian football team in this very moment.

In the first half, Cusco FC had several good chances to take the lead, but Rizzo's header and Carranza's shot both went to the crossbar. 

Cusco FC (in gold) were the better team overall and deserved to get through to the second round. Source: ovacion.pe

Right in the beginning of the second half, a cross by Ramúa from the left side reached Rossi in the box, who found the best way to use his left foot, sending the ball in: 0-1 (49').

 Goalscorer Erick Rossi is congratulated by Alfredo Ramúa. Source: Cusco FC Facebook page

Binacional tried to get back in the game, and attacked more convincingly, while Cusco made a step back, and tried to defend this fragile lead. It turned out badly for Cusco, because in stoppage time a hand ball committed by Céspedes in his own box led to a penalty for Binacional, transformed by Arango: 1-1 (90'+3').

The match ended 1-1, no extra time was played, but straight penalty shoot-outs. Aubert, Rizzo, Abisab and Corrales transformed the first four penalties for Cusco, Arango, Palomino and Zela transformed the first three for Binacional, but then Uribe missed the fourth - goalkeeper Nicosia (who made a great game overall) saved. Miguel Carranza transformed the fifth penalty for Cusco, which gave them the win, 5-3 at penalties. Binacional did not execute the fifth penalty, as it was unnecessary.

Binacional: Sotillo - Fajardo, Zela, Mancilla, Á. Pérez (J. P. Carranza 78') - Palomino, Romero, Flores (Uribe 63') - Leyva (De La Cruz 63'), Polar (Vizcarra 86'), Arango. Manager: Carlos Desio.

Cusco: Nicosia - Rizzo, Figueroa, Rossi (Corrales 73') - Velásquez, Tello, Abisab, Céspedes - Ramúa (Gonzales 82'), Carrillo (Aubert 76'), Carranza. Manager: Claudio Vivas.

Referee: Jonathan Zamora.

Yellow cards: Flores 20', Á. Pérez 70' - Céspedes 34', Gonzales 88'.