Universitario vs Cantolao match preview: Start 2023 on the right note

After 2 weeks of cancelation due to the violent riots going on throughout Peru, Universitario de Deportes will finally debut the 2023 season at the Estadio Monumental vs Cantolao behind closed doors. With a new & revamped roster, Universitario’s new faces include Emmanuel Herrera, Horacio Calcaterra (returning to the U after 10 years), Martin Perez Guedes, Matias Di Benedetto, Rodrigo Ureña, Marco Saravia, Jose Lujan, Rivera, Jose Bolivar, Hugo Ancajima, Williams Riveros, and Yuriel Celi. Alex Valera also makes his big return to the club after being transferred to Al-Fateh last year. It’s a strong squad with all eyes on achieving the 27th title this year.

Cantolao finished in 14th place in 2022 and once again they enter 2023 with a vulnerable squad which can place Cantolao in the same place as the last couple years (13th place in 2021, 14th in 2022). El Delfin features former crema Rafael Guarderas on the roster (Guarderas was loaned out and later sold in 2022). Other Cantolao players of note are forwards Renato Espinosa and Gabriel Leyes.

With the experience of Calcaterra and speed of Andy Polo, that should just be the simple advantage the crema has against Cantolao. Aldo Corzo may not be fit for today (despite being called up) and Ancajima would be his replacement for the day. Ancajima has shown some good performances during the recent U friendly matches. Herrera or Valera (or both) will be the forwards for today vs Cantolao and their experience are beneficial for today’s match.

Due to the ongoing TV rights disputes between the FPF and many clubs in Liga 1, the match vs Cantolao will be broadcasted on Universitario’s Youtube channel. Kickoff will be at 3:30 ET (12:30 PT) at the Estadio Monumental. Post match recap will be posted immediately following the match and Lolo Worldwide will be back for 2023 next week.