Sporting Crystal It is one of the candidate clubs to fight for the League 1 title in 2023, not only because of the history that backs it up, but also because of the good impressions it made in its pre-season. One of the players that goes with it is the striker Irven Avilawho has spent more time at the sky-blue club than any of his team-mates and is aiming to set the standard this year in particular by being the all-time fifth goalscorer.
The “Cholito” made it into the “Top 5” gunners of Bajo Pontino in 2022 by scoring 119 official goals, two more than Flavio Maestri, who previously occupied the fifth box. For this season, the Huanuqueño renewed his contract, filling the gap with the names ahead of him on this shortlist.
Replacing Jorge ‘Camello’ Soto or Alberto ‘Jet’ Gallardo are portrayed as practically unachievable goals for the 32-year-old footballer. A more realistic goal, albeit not an easy one, would be to finish on the top scorers’ podium, which currently includes Luis Alberto Bonnet, closely followed by Julinho.
Ávila returned to Cristal for the 2021 season Photo: La República-Luis Jiménez.
The difference between the numbers of ‘Pelado’ and Ávila is 20 goals. In other words, the Peruvian would need to score two dozen goals to level with the well-known ex-Argentinian striker and another to surpass him and be the new third historic striker.
The question is ripe: is it really possible for “Cholito” to reach such a mark? Although his scoring average hasn’t been that high in recent years, this year 2023 could be better as he is one of the attackers most used by coach Tiago Nunes. This Wednesday 11th, for example, he shone with a hat-trick in the friendly against Aucas that ended 6-0 in favor of Cristal.
In addition to the 38 League 1 games, the player would have more games to achieve the necessary conquests if he qualified for the Copa Libertadores group stage. Even if it doesn’t reach him this year, a good performance could convince managers and technical leadership to renew him and thus give him more time to reach the goal.
Irven Ávila scored three goals for Aucas in a friendly this Wednesday 11 January. Photo: Sporting Cristal
Sporting Cristals historic scorers
- Jorge Soto: 176 goals
- Alberto Gallardo: 149 goals
- Luis Alberto Bonnet: 139 goals
- Julinho: 138 goals
- Irven Avila: 119 goals.
Irven Ávila’s last goal at Sporting Cristal
On September 18, 2022, Irven Ávila scored his last goal for Sporting Cristal against Deportivo Binacional in Juliaca. The attacker scored the final 1:1 penalty for the brewers.
What titles did Irven Avila win at Sporting Cristal?
During his seven and a half seasons with the Rímac team, the “Cholito” managed to become three national champions (2012, 2014 and 2016) and also win a Bicentennial Cup (2021). Other minor tournaments on his tally include Clausura 2014, Apertura 2015 and Phase 1 of League 1 2021.
How much is Irven Avila worth on Transfermarkt?
According to the specialist portal, the Ávila pass costs 525,000 euros, making it the 14th most valuable in the Sporting Cristal squad.