Alianza Lima 0 – Universitario 2 match recap: MATUTAZO!
by J.P. Devetori
Universitario escapes Matute with a 0-2 victory over arch rivals Alianza Lima in dominating fashion. It was a performance we have not seen before from the “U” this season. They improved defensively, prevented making many mistakes, and controlled the game after striking first. And it came at the right time, against our arch rivals and at their stadium (a full house filled with Alianza fans) with the goal on avenging the horrible loss at the Monumental earlier in the year.
The first half had some back and forth action with Alianza and Universitario having near misses. The “U” had some defensive miscues like Rugel’s turnover (who subbed in for Alonso) and the slowness of Quina but Alianza failed to capitalize on those mistakes. As the 2nd half began, everything changed.
9 minutes into the 2nd half, Rugel scored to give the “U” a 0-1 lead and the cremas did not look back. They controlled the game and prevented Alianza from getting near the crema penalty area for a shot and they were left with attempts from the outside. And the twice-relegated club were out of ideas so they were left with fouling constantly and receiving yellow cards. And with 10 minutes left of the match, Alexander Succar was all alone after dribbling past 2 Alianza defenders and was fouled in the penalty area before he had a chance to score resulting in a penalty for the cremas. Succar scored the 2nd goal for the “U”, sealing a victory and soon after he received another yellow after his goal celebration. Succar was in foul trouble early in the match and was booked but Compagnucci had faith in Succar and kept playing him throughout the match. There was intensity from both sides after the 2nd “U” goal and the match resulted with 6 yellows for Alianza Lima and 3 yellows for Universitario (the “U” coaching staff had a few members receiving red cards while the Hernan Novick received a yellow despite not being on the field). The “U” silenced the Alianza fans full Matute stadium just like they did before in 1999 and 2009 with a stunning 0-2 victory.
The key player of the match was Jose Carvallo. Carvallo made many key saves after Alianza began to make shots on goal. Andy Polo also had his best matchup with his control of the ball and beating the Alianza defense with 1v1’s. Jose Rugel was an unexpected substitution in the match and made a great impact! Rugel came in after Federico Alonso left the game in the 3rd minute with some unknown leg injury. The win helped boost Universitario chances to qualify for a CONMEBOL tournament and are in 4th of the Clausura table with 17 points, 4 points behind 1st place Sporting Cristal (2 games behind). What a victory for the “U”! Let’s keep going! Y dale U!