Tuesday, the 24th of November 2020, 3.30 pm local time (8.30 pm UTC), Monumental Stadium, Lima (neutral ground), 8th round of Stage 2 (Clausura), Peruvian First Division.
This was a very important match for Universidad César Vallejo, which still have real chances to get to the play-offs and are looking forward to participating to 2021 Copa Libertadores, but it was less important for Cusco FC, which had only theoretical chances of reaching any objectives at the end of this year. Despite the fact that Universidad César Vallejo were big favourites, Cusco FC fought well and were not far from obtaining a win, which would have allowed to dream further for their (very slim) chances to reach the eighth place and a spot in the next year Copa Sudamericana.
Universidad César Vallejo dominated the entire game, and their pressure steadily increased. Nevertheless, in the first half, Cusco FC had the biggest goal chances, on the counterattack, and even scored: Danilo Carando intercepted a pass intended back for Garcés, overtook the defender, entered the area and finalized in style, with his left (!) foot at the near post: 1-0 (33'). While the players of Universidad César Vallejo were still in shock, Carando and Rivera had two more chances to double the advantage, in other counterattacks.
In the second half, it was all Universidad César Vallejo, and opportunities emerged more and more often, while Cusco's goalkeeper, Pretel, had a lot of work to do, together with the defenders. Mena headed wide from short range (63'), then Aquino had a couple of opportunities, and eventually equalized with a perfect header after a cross from the right side by Morillo: 1-1 (78').
The last minutes were very difficult for Cusco FC, especially after Atoche was sent off (84') for intentionally kicking his opponent with the arm while landing after a jump. However, they defended very well and Universidad César Vallejo did not find any solutions to break this defence.
Cusco: Pretel - Chávez, Saravia, Paniagua, Céspedes - Valenzuela, Atoche, Gonzales (Guidino 60') - Ramúa (Delgado 72'), Rivera - Carando (Palacios 86'). Manager: Carlos Ramacciotti.
Universidad César Vallejo: Zubzuck - Fleitas, Garcés, Vásquez (Manzaneda 76') - Quinteros (Morillo 46'), Figuera (R. García 68'), Ysique, Rodas (Aquino 46') - Vélez (Flores 76'), Cedrón - Mena. Manager: José Del Solar.
Referee: Bruno Pérez.
Yellow card: Garcés 22'.
Red card: Atoche 84'.
The last round of the regular season will be played on Saturday afternoon. All matches are scheduled at the same time. Universitario de Deportes and Sporting Cristal are already qualified for the play-offs, but the other one or possibly even two teams that might qualify will be decided in the final round, and after the Stage 2 (Clausura) final between the winners of Group A (Sporting Cristal) and those of Group B (Ayacucho, Carlos A. Mannucci or Universidad César Vallejo, yet to be decided). The big drama is in the relegation area, where Alianza Lima is equal in points to Carlos Stein, and together with Academia Cantolao and Atlético Grau, will depend on the last round results to remain in the First Division. The presence of Alianza Lima in the relegation area is the biggest surprise of this season.
For Cusco FC, the last match of the season against last classified (and already relegated) Deportivo Llacuabamba only has a statistical importance, as it might take them higher (or lower) in the Stage 2 and the overall classification. Regardless of the result, this will be the worse classification for Cusco FC in any season since they have promoted to the First Division in 2011 as Real Garcilaso.
No comments:
Post a Comment