Peru’s ‘Superclasico’ headlines another exciting weekend of Primera Division action
Friday, April 14th 2017
Sporting Cristal vs Alianza Atletico
Sporting Cristal will feel that this game is just as winnable as last weekend’s game against Sport Rosario. Alianza Atletico are weaker than Rosario and at home, Los Cerveceros will be disappointed with anything other than a win.
Player to watch: Cristan Ortiz
Ortiz was a constant threat in Sporting Cristal’s last match and it was definitely no fluke as he has always been a good player. Another solid performance from him should be expected and the Argentine will be a player to watch.
Universidad Tecnica Cajamarca vs Sport Huancayo
UTC are currently top of their group, but are 2 points behind Huancayo. Sport Huancayo’s poor away form will more than likely continue as Cajamarca have won every game at home so far. Comparing the 2 squads overall in talent, it’s almost about even. Sport Huancayo maybe have a stronger squad. However, while surprises can happen, based on form this should be an UTC win.
Player to watch: Juan Pablo Vergara
Vergara has been one of the surprise players of the season. He’s been key in Cajamarca’s campaign up to now. He has 3 goals in the tournament and has put in solid performances to help UTC sit where they currently are.
Saturday, April 15th 2017
Universidad San Martin de Porres vs Academia Cantolao
Very hard to predict. Cantolao are currently bottom of their group but they haven’t been awful and have impressed in a lot of games particularly against the stronger sides. This should be a Universidad San Martin win as they have been very good at home, but Cantolao have what it takes to pull a surprise, just as they did against Sporting Cristal at the Alberto Gallardo.
Player to watch: Jose Manzaneda
Academia Cantolao don’t have the most convincing points tally but they haven’t been poor for the most part. Jose Manzaneda has been a revelation. He’s 22 years old and has been one of the best players in the Torneo de Verano so far. Very good technical ability and a runner. He is expected to continue his fine form despite his club’s struggles.
Sport Rosario vs Union Comercio
This should be a Sport Rosario win. It’s only Union Comercio’s second trip to the altitude this season, and given they are from the jungle and not the mountains, it should give Sport Rosario a good advantage. Sport Rosario winning is the most likely result, although it will probably only be a narrow win.
Player to watch: Pablo Lavandeira
Lavandeira was picked out last week as the player to watch and that hasn’t changed as he’s been one of the best attackers in the league this season. Sport Rosario wouldn’t be where they are right now without him. He should do a lot better here than in the last match as Union Comercio while not at all pushovers, they aren’t Sporting Cristal.
Universitario vs Alianza Lima
This is the big match this weekend. Universitario have had an incredibly disappointing start given the signings they made in the window, while Alianza Lima are living up to expectations. However, this is the superclasico in Peru and form goes out the window. Also looking at the fact that Universitario have a new manager in Pedro Troglio, they will be different as of this match. More than likely for the better. There has been a lot of hype around Troglio’s arrival and the training sessions have been more promising. For example, Juan Manuel Vargas is losing weight which there were never any signs of that with the previous manager. Despite all the hype around Troglio, this match will end in a draw. Troglio will improve the team, but it will start soon and not immediately.
Player to watch: Alberto Quintero
So many players to pick from in this clasico, but in recent training sessions Troglio has taken a liking to Alberto Quintero. He was hyped up when he was signed but hasn’t played much and not impressed at all in his few appearances. With a new manager, it will be interesting to see how he does and as he is rumoured to start here, he’s a fair choice for this pick.
Sunday, April 16th 2017
Real Garcilaso vs Comerciantes Unidos
Real Garcilaso are 2 points behind UTC and will want to win to put pressure on the group leaders. This is a good match to do so. While Garcilaso have been in poor form, they have one of the best teams in the league on paper and have shown it with many good performances in and away from Cusco. Comerciantes Unidos haven’t been as poor as Sport Huancayo away from home but they still haven’t been great. This match will most likely end up in a home win.
Player to watch: Alfredo Ramua
Alfredo Ramua came back to Real Garcilaso this season after being with Sporting Cristal last year. He’s done as well as expected and is the key player in Garcilaso’s team. Ramua should put in a good performance here to help his team to a victory.
Juan Aurich vs Deportivo Municipal
Deportivo Municipal have been disappointing in the Torneo de Verano. Currently in 6th place with only 8 points. Juan Aurich are bottom and are one of the favourites to get relegated once the accumulated table season begins. This match should end in a draw. Deportivo Municipal will take the lead but Aurich will equalize and force them to drop points.
Player to watch: Pedro Gutierrez
Pier Larrauri and Diego Mayora are often the 2 talked about when it comes to Deportivo Municipal, but Pedro Gutierrez has been very good since the start of the season and while this match will probably end in a draw, Gutierrez will continue to put in good performances from here on.