First win for Cusco FC in Stage 2: 3-0 over Alianza Atlético Sullana

Sunday, 8 August 2021, 11 am local time (4 pm UTC), Alberto Gallardo Stadium, Lima (neutral ground), Peru, 5th round of Stage 2, Peruvian First Division.

After two defeats and two draws since the beginning of Stage 2, it was about time for Cusco FC to win a match, because relegation has become a real danger. And one of the direct opponents fighting for survival in the Peruvian First Division is Alianza Atlético Sullana, the only newly-promoted team from the Second Division. 

Cusco has made a perfect match. They started by putting a lot of pressure from the beginning, and, after a few chances in the first minutes, Rivera dived to head in a cross by Abisab from the right side: 1-0 (13'). Once the first goal was achieved, Alianza Atlético tried to come back in the game, but Cusco maintained an overall control, and was more dangerous on counterattacks. Matías Abisab scored a wonderful goal right before half time, after an individual effort on the right side, with a left-footed shot from inside the area: 2-0 (45').

Matías Abisab (#17) is congratulated by his teammates, Gonzalo Rizzo, Yorkman Tello and Edson Aubert. Source: andina.pe

This goal probably had some psychological effects on Alianza Atlético players, who were not able to create too many chances in the second half, despite the fact that Cusco FC played defensively. Goalkeeper Éder Hermoza was again in excellent shape and saved a few dangerous shots. Moreover, the subs Diego Espinoza and Víctor Cedrón created a beautiful goal at the end of the match, the latter scoring after a great assist from the former: 3-0 (87').

Cusco: Hermoza - Rizzo, Figueroa, Corrales, Céspedes - Tello (Aucca 85'), Aubert - Abisab (Orbe 85'), Ramúa (Cedrón 72'), Rivera (Carrillo 85') - Royón (Espinoza 65'). Manager: Claudio Vivas.

Alianza Atlético: Barrios - Barreda, Ariano, Balbín - Arismendi, Cruzado (Serra 87'), Ascues (D. Ramírez 76'), Guidino - Lugo - Domínguez (Vargas 62'), Fergonzi (Saffadi 62'). Manager: Jahir Butrón.

Referee: Augusto Menéndez.

Yellow cards: Figueroa 24, Tello 67, Hermoza 90'+2' - Cruzado 74'.

In the next round, Cusco FC will face UTC, while Alianza Atlético will play against the leaders, FBC Melgar.