Once again, FBC Melgar and Sporting Cristal face off on the soccer field. They are not in a final like in 1981, 2015 or 2016. Tomorrow from 15:00 they play at the Monumental Arequipa de la Unsa for the first semi-final of 2022. Two of the best teams in the country have committed to leave their souls that Reach the final and put on a good show in front of thousands of fans.
Both gave up the opportunity to play directly for the title after losing to the same rivals, Atlético Grau being the executioner, dealing the blow at the Gallardo and then his fief Piura. Unexpected triumphs over Cristal and Melgar.
The “Rimenses” arrive highly motivated after their last 4-0 win against Carlos Manucci. Even if Távara and Castillo aren’t in their ranks, there is enough talent for their presentation in Arequipa to be as good or better than the 1-0 win at the Clausura tournament.
The red and black are beaten. They couldn’t say goodbye to their fans, at home, on the last day, with a win against Alianza Sullana, it was a 0-1 defeat.
The confrontations between “Rojinegros” and “Celestes” have become a national classic. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes could win the first leg as revenge is due on Sunday. There is no favourite.
Losses at Melgar
From the names of Horacio Orzán, Matías Lazo, José Luján and Jean Pierre Archimbaud, the central couple will emerge to play against Sporting Cristal.
The usual duo of Deneumostier and Galeano are suspended, their return could happen on Sunday at the national championship in Lima from 3pm
Tension was high in yesterday’s practice in Sachaca. Strong coffee and hard work from the technical command to lift the spirits of the team. “Melgar has shown that he can play well. We’re fighting for the third star and will certainly deliver our best performance,” said the optimist Coach Pablo LavallenTarget of sharp criticism from the fans.
Horacio Orzán has earned all the tickets to give up his position as midfielder and switch to defence, Matías Lazo has served in the position but has not been consistent in the starting role. His good performances in the Copa Sudamericana and in Liga 1 support him.José Luján lacked the rhythm when he had to step on. Archimbaud knows the position, he played there for a few minutes last night, but he fits better in midfield and even goes in attack.
“If we got here it’s because of the effort we put in and because we won it on the pitch. It was a tough grind but that and the tiredness are forgotten upon entering the field. We are looking for this and we are giving our best now. We are responsible. We have a group whose heart is so big it doesn’t fit in our chests,” Orzán said ahead of such an important signing.
Fortunately, it’s not all bad news for Melgarian interests as Luis Iberico and Alejandro Ramos have been admitted for tomorrow. That, along with Cuesta, will strengthen the attack while there are chances of an advantage and a good goal on the right wing. They are also ready to enter Vidales, Sánchez or Quevedo.
Melgar’s possible eleven would have Carlos Cáceda in goal; Alejandro Ramos, Matías Lazo, Horacio Orzán and Paolo Reyna in defence; the midfielder with Alexis Arias, Jean Pierre Archimbaud and Martín Pérez Guedes; in attack Luis Iberico, Bernardo Cuesta and Cristian Bordacahar.
The Mistian team competed in strict concentration at 9 p.m. yesterday. There is no training today. The morning and part of the afternoon will be dedicated to the psychological work to leave behind the poor results of the past and reach the long-awaited final against Alianza Lima.
The visit goes north
Tickets are sold exclusively via the www.joinnus portal. The club announced that Cristal fans should only populate the north stand. You have no chance of being exhibited at other stands with the light blue shirt.
The schedule is complicated but the organized Melgar supporters are preparing a great reception to support the team that has brought them many joys and unexpected triumphs this year.