FBC Melgar and Cusco FC shared points in Southern Peruvian derby

FBC Melgar - Cusco FC 1-1 (1-0)

Iberico 23' - F. Rodríguez 49'.

Saturday, 1 April 2023, 3:30 pm local time (8:30 pm UTC), Monumental de la UNSA Stadium, Arequipa, Peru, round 10 of Apertura, Peruvian First Division (Liga 1).

 Cusco FC starting XI. Source: Cusco FC Facebook page

FBC Melgar starting XI. Source: FBC Melgar Facebook page

The Southern Peruvian derby between FBC Melgar and Cusco FC was scheduled in a difficult moment for FBC Melgar, which has yet to win a game this season and had not scored a single goal so far. Cusco FC, on the other hand, had a good start of the season, and are classified in the top half of the table, while in their last two games they smashed Carlos A. Mannucci 3-0 at home and drew 0-0 away at UTC Cajamarca.

Luis Iberico (in red and black) scored the first goal of the game. Source: FBC Melgar Facebook page

Nonetheless, FBC Melgar were considered favorites for the game, and they were not far from winning. While Cusco FC had some dangerous actions in the beginning of the game, the home side took the lead: Cristian Bordacahar crossed from the right, and Luis Iberico headed from the centre of the box: 1-0 (23'). FBC Melgar had some other chances as well, but the biggest opportunity belonged to José Fajardo (Cusco FC), whose shot was blocked by the goalkeeper Cáceda (32').

The visitors started the second half determined to equalize quickly, and they did so. Johnny Vidales (former Melgar player) launched José Fajardo on the left, his cross was partly blocked by a defender, and Felipe Rodríguez skillfully took the ball and placed a left-footed shot to the far post: 1-1 (49').

Felucho Rodríguez (on top) and José Fajardo celebrate the equalizer. Source: Cusco FC Facebook page

Immediately after, FBC Melgar could have taken the lead, as Bordacahar headed in after a cross from the left by Bernardo Cuesta. The goal was (wrongly) cancelled for offside (52').

FBC Melgar increased the intensity of their attacks and had several important opportunities, but goalkeeper Ferreyra saved several shots, while Cuesta hit the side post (75'). Cusco FC responded mainly on counterattacks, and also had some chances to take the lead. However, in the final minutes, they remained in just ten, as Gerson Barreto was sent off for a second yellow card (86'). FBC Melgar however did not take advantage of the situation and the game ended 1-1.

FBC Melgar: Cáceda - Ramos, Galeano, Deneumostier, Reyna - Orzán (Tandazo 82'), T. Martínez (Archimbaud 66'), A. Arias (Cabrera 66') - Bordacahar (D'Arrigo 82'), Cuesta, Iberico (Magnín 73'). Manager: Mariano Soso.

Cusco FC: Ferreyra - Estrada (Bilbao 59'), Alonso, Quina, Gordillo (Benincasa 83') - Barreto - Da Luz (Arakaki 83'), Ayarza, Vidales (Aucca 69'), F. Rodríguez (Cantoro 83') - Fajardo. Manager: Pablo Peirano.

Referee: Luis Ciriaco.

Yellow cards: Cuesta 8', Deneumostier 10', Archimbaud 77' - Quina 37', Fajardo 39', Barreto 41', 86'.

Red card: Barreto 86'.

In the next round, Cusco FC will play at home against Deportivo Binacional, while FBC Melgar will play away at Sport Huancayo.