The hands of the clock announced the 95th minute of a game that was more than important for both teams. To Alianza Lima, although he still hadn’t managed to establish himself as a winner opening tournament, one point was enough for him not to lose an unbeaten series that has accompanied him for a long time. For his part, Melgar just wanted to justify himself to his fans after the defeat by Deportivo Garcilaso and show that they could be back with last year’s squad. The 1-1 was fair for many, except for the red-blacks, who didn’t lower their arms and cheered.
In the final play of the game, goalscorer Bernardo Cuesta appeared to break the equalizer on the goal line, handing Arequipa the win and ending the Intimates’ eight straight League 1 victories.
To become champion, all he had to do was win. The Salas force reached the WHAT add three and hope Universitario falls to Vallejo. However, he faced a lion that was about to roar. Soso’s team made it difficult for the blue and white and prevented a party. The Familiars will have to wait to hang up the Apertura Tournament Victor’s Sign as they lost 2-1 in Arequipa.
Melgar vs. Alianza Lima played on Matchday 16 of League 1 2023. Photo: Diffusion
The strong leg and the interdicts between the protagonists were what we saw the most in the first few minutes of the game. Alianza Lima was surprised by Melgar in the 45th minute and managed to go into the break with a great goal from Pablo Magnín.
In return, the confidants went determinedly to the draw and thanks to Sabbag they managed to do it after seven minutes, but it wasn’t enough. With discounts, Cuesta became the hero of a party that isn’t blue and white for now.