The first half advantage was enough for Cusco FC to win

Cusco FC - Alianza Atlético de Sullana 2-0 (2-0)

Tévez 27', Colman 39' penalty

Thursday, 7 March 2024, 3 pm local time (8 pm UTC), Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium, Cusco, Peru, 7th round of Apertura, Peruvian First Division (Liga 1).

 Cusco FC starting line-up. Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

Surprisingly scheduled on Thursday, the match between Cusco FC and Alianza Atlético de Sullana had a clear winner. The home side dominated the game from start to end, although the visitors tried something in the second half, without success. Cusco FC took the lead in the first half and increased their advantage before the break.

Juan Manuel Tévez was a key-element in Cusco FC attack. Lucas Colitto is in the background, watching. Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

The home side could have taken the lead very early, but goalkeeper Melián denied a header, and then Nicolás Silva headed into the crossbar from close range (7'), after a corner.

Set pieces were very important for Cusco FC, as they made a difference in terms of aerial duels. Iván Colman took a free kick from the right side, and Juan Manuel Tévez headed precisely: 1-0 (27').

Juan Manuel Tévez (left) and Iván Colman (right), the two goalscorers. Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

A few minutes later, Iván Colman broke through the defence and launched Tévez in the box, stopped only by a foul committed by José Carlos Villegas (37'). The referee awarded a penalty, converted by Colman: 2-0 (39').

Iván Colman celebrated the second goal. Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

At 2-0, Cusco FC decided that a change of tactics is needed, and this was visible especially in the second half. Alianza Atlético tried to fight back, pushing their lines in a more offensive position, but rarely created any dangerous action. On the other hand, Cusco FC had several good opportunities on the counterattack, especially by means of Nicolás Silva.

Nicolás Silva missed several chances to score. Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

The match eventually ended with the same score as it was at half time, 2-0 for Cusco FC, which consolidate their position in the upper half of the table.

Cusco FC: Vidal - Ramírez, Bilbao, Pérez, Zevallos - Valenzuela, A. Vásquez (R. Fernández 76') - N. Silva, Colman (Correa 89'), Colitto (Aucca 72') - Tévez (Ramos 76'). Manager: Miguel Rondelli.

Alianza Atlético: Melián - C. Vásquez, Villegas (Flores 59'), Tovo (Mendieta 46'), Benincasa, Duclós - Arakaki (Siucho 46'), Illanes, Arias, Canela (Larios 71') - A. Fernández (Rebagliati 71'). Manager: Jorge Espejo.

Referee: Sebastián Lozano.

Yellow cards: Valenzuela 17' - Tovo 35', Villegas 37', A. Fernández 66', Rebagliati 78'.