Cienciano del Cusco is one of the most popular clubs in inland Peru. With its 122-year history, Dad is a reference for the “Imperial City” and one of those who have played the most seasons in the first division. But not even all of his roots in the population of his region of origin enabled him to become national champion. In this sense, it is far behind Universitario de Deportes, Alianza Lima and Sporting Cristal, the most victorious teams in Peruvian football.
The so-called big three of League 1 have larger numbers of fans, historically better records and compete longer in the top category. However, there is one aspect in which they cannot keep up with the red team despite all the chances they had.
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How does Cienciano Alianza outperform Lima, Universitario and Cristal?
The performance that the fans of scientist can only boast of being the only Peruvian club to have won international tournaments. For all their power, Alianza, the “U,” and Cristal have an outstanding title debt abroad.
The people of Cusco, on the other hand, have tasted the glory of the continent twice. The first time was in 2003 when they defeated none other than River Plate of Argentina in the Copa Sudamericana final. The following year they repeated the title against another giant, Boca Juniors, this time for the Recopa Sudamericana.
Cienciano is the first and so far only Peruvian club to become champions of international tournaments. Photo: Archive/GLR
In contrast, the cream and light blues' greatest achievement at international level is reaching a Copa Libertadores final (Universitario 1972 and Sporting Cristal 1997). In the same competition, the blue and white team only reached the semi-finals twice (1976 and 1978).
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Why is Cienciano del Cusco known as the father?
Cienciano's most famous nickname is Dad. This strange nickname reportedly originated in the 1930s when Alfredo Holguín, an avid fan known as “Papay”, told his club during a game against the “U” that the Imperials were losing 2-0 and scored the equalizer at the end.
Holguín, leader of the Cusco bar, would have invented the chant “Upa, upa, upapá, Cienciano is the father,” based on the encouraging calls of his companions (“Up, up, Papay” or “Upa, up, Papay”). upa, papay” in Quechua).
With the conquest of the Sudamericana in 2003 and the Recopa in 2004, the club's nickname resurfaced strongly through songs composed for the occasion. Additionally, he became known as the “Father of America” for his triumphs against all odds over Boca and River, two of the continent's best teams.
When does Cienciano play on Dad's Night?
Cienciano will play on the occasion of the presentation of his squad for 2024 Dad's night against Los Chankas de Andahuaylas on Sunday, January 14, at the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium. The game starts at 5.30 p.m. and can be seen on the Liga 1 Max channel.
The father will face the recently promoted Apurimeño team. Photo: Cienciano